IN Kansas City March 2022 by KC Media

KC Nonprofits Step Up for Afghan Refugees A MISSION HILLS COTTAGE GETS A

MAKEOVER

SPRING'S BEST BAGS & SHOES MARCH 2022 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Making a Difference These KC Entrepreneurs Created FoodFocused Businesses That Do Good, Too

Spring Design Sale For a luxurious and liveable lifestyle . . . Up to 40% OFF thru April 4th Refreshing your interior spaces and bringing home liveable luxury has never been more popular. And with springtime just around the corner, let’s reimagine your personal escapes. For every room and every style, Seville Home’s Spring Design Sale makes it all possible.

Plus 40% OFF

Summer Classics Luxury Outdoor and Bernhardt Exteriors Your Seville Home Designers

Your Seville Home Experience Includes:

• No need to wait – we’re featuring the largest in-stock inventory in our 22-year history • Unlimited options – from Kansas City’s newest Designer Fabric Library • Professional Design Services - included at no extra charge • The confidence that comes from our local, family-owned commitment to you

Preferred By Designers and Open To Everyone 135th & Nall • Leawood SevilleHome.com • 913-663-4663 See store for complete details

4,335

8 #1

FEMALE OWNED REAL ESTATE AGENCY

A Kansas City company focused on the Kansas City community.

LOCALLY OWNED

NATIONALLY KNOWN

We invest in the commiunties we serve. Our agents and staff are involved with several organizations across the Kansas City metro. • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Veteran's Community Project Children's Mercy Hospital America Foundation for Suicide Prevention Northland Therapeutic Riding Cornerstones of Care War Horses for Veterans Habitat for Humanity of KC Nelson Atkins Museum Salvation Army ChoosetoLive.org Pride Parade SOLD Harvester's Wayside Waifs Be Day

© 2022 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes. All Rights Reserved. Better Homes and Gardens® and the Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate Logo are registered service marks owned by Meredith Corporation and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas

VOTED BEST

REAL ESTATE AGENCY IN THE NORTHLAND

City Homes fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated. Any services or products provided by independently owned and operated franchises are not provided by, affiliated with, or related to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC, nor any of its affiliated companies.

KansasCityHomes.com

ESCAPE to another world... every night.

Sumptuous bedding, in colors and patterns that you love, can transform your life... ...especially during our “New Arrivals” Spring Savings! Stop in soon, call or visit us online.

Locally-owned and a Country Club Plaza icon for over 35 years • Corner of 501 Nichols Rd. & Pennsylvania 816.753.4144 • (toll free) 800.875.4144 •

www.terrasi.com

Design Now, Enjoy Fore

Design Now, Enjoy Forever

kitchens | bathrooms | home

Portfolio K i t c h e n

h o m e

215 W. Pershing Road Kansas City § Missouri § 64108 816.363.5300

www. por t foli o- ho m e. co m Monday—Friday 9 to 5 Saturday 11 to 3

A Taste of Luxury.

Gift Certificates Available! 913.495.9927 MargaretMcHenryMaids.com

ASK THE EXPERT

I have inherited jewelry from I have from Q : familyinherited memberjewelry or I have jewelry Q : athat a family member or IWhat have do jewelry I no longer wear. I do with it?

that I no longer wear. What do I do with it?

First, it is important to know the difference First, it is the important to know the difference A : two most common types of A : between between the two most common types of appraisals associated with jewelry evaluations

appraisals associated jewelry evaluations based on what your endwith goal is: based on what your end goal is:

1.1.INSURANCE APPRAISALS INSURANCE APPRAISALS reflect the full retail amount,

reflect the full retail amount, which is ideal if you wish to retain which is ideal if you wish to retain & insure the item. & insure the item.

This type of appraisal can be This type of appraisal can end be goal is counter-productive if your counter-productive if your end goal is to sell the piece, because the value to sell thereflects piece, because value generally the “new”the insurance generally reflects “new”often insurance replacement valuethe - which times replacement value which often is a higher amount than what the times is a higher amount than item was purchased for. what the item was purchased for.

2. 2.LIQUIDATION LIQUIDATIONAPPRAISALS APPRAISALS or “Liquid Value Assessments” or “Liquid Value Assessments” provide the amount an item is provide the amount an item is likely to sell for an immediate likely to sell for an immediate payment situation. payment situation. Diamond Banc offers complementary Diamond offers complementary liquid valueBanc assessments, even if you liquidprepared value assessments, aren’t to part witheven yourif you aren’t prepared to part with your pieces. This enables you to accurately pieces. This enables you accurately determine the value of thetoinherited determine theinto value the inherited pieces and go theofdecision making pieces and go into the decision making process informed. process informed.

items does Diamond Banc accept? Q What items does Diamond Banc accept? Q:: What We are actively seeking diamonds, A : We are actively diamonds, jewelry,seeking fine swiss timepieces A : designer

designer Rolex jewelry, fine swiss timepieces including & Patek Philippe, and including Rolex & Patek Philippe, and bullion. precious metals, such as gold & silver precious metals, such as gold & silver bullion.

does the process work? Q How does the process work? Q:: How Set up an appointment and visit our Set uplocated an appointment and visit A : on the Country Clubour Plaza A : office office located on the Country Club Plaza or at either TIVOL locations. Clients also or at the either TIVOL Clients have option tolocations. leave their items also have the toan leave their items at TIVOL tooption receive evaluation at TIVOL to receive an evaluation within 24 hours. within 24 hours.

SICILY VON OVERFELT, GIA DIAMONDS GRADUATE SICILY VON OVERFELT, GIA DIAMONDS GRADUATE DIRECTOR OF DIAMOND BANC, KANSAS CITY DIRECTOR OF DIAMOND BANC, KANSAS CITY SICILY@DIAMONDBANC.COM | 816.977.2677 | 435 NICHOLS RD. SUITE 200, KANSAS CITY, MO 64112 SICILY@DIAMONDBANC.COM | 816.977.2677 | 435 NICHOLS RD. SUITE 200, KANSAS CITY, MO 64112 Untitled-3 1 Untitled-3 1

1/19/22 1:58 PM 1/19/22 1:58 PM

Contents MARCH 2022 54

66 74 58 Features 54

IN CONVERSATION WITH TREVOR HAWKINS The locally based filmmaker discusses his love of growing up at Lake Lotawana and the release of his first full-length film.

STRANGERS IN A STRANGE LAND Local resettlement agencies welcome Kansas City’s newest neighbors from Afghanistan.

Departments

DOING BUSINESS DIFFERENTLY Three food-focused businesses that are designed to make a positive impact—all while serving up fresh and delicious fare.

STEP IT UP Handbags and shoes have an outsized importance this spring.

REFRESHED & REJUVENATED A classic Mission Hills home gets a makeover for a young family’s comfort and style.

On the cover The food-industry disruptors featured on page 62. From left to right: TJ Roberts, Shanita McAfee-Bryant, Sylvia Metta, Olive Cooke, Kim Conyers. Photo by Aaron Leimkuehler

MARCH 2022

| 10 | INKANSASCITY.COM

WOMEN IN BUSINESS IN KC

ENTERTAINING IN KC

OUR MAN IN KC

ARTS & CULTURE IN KC

BEHIND THE MUSIC IN KC

LOOK IN KC

WOMEN’S HEALTH IN KC

LIVING IN KC

FLAVOR IN KC

MY ESSENTIALS IN KC

IN EVERY ISSUE 12

EDITOR’S NOTE

INKANSASCITY.COM

JOIN US FOR OUR SPRING 2022 SEASON! TICKETS ON SALE NOW!

JUDY COLLINS & MADELEINE PEYROUX

SCAN THIS CODE TO PURCHASE TICKETS.

jccc.edu/MTC Box Office: 913–469–4445 Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

PILOBOLUS BIG FIVE-OH!

MNOZIL BRASS

J C C C . E D U/M TC

ENDLESS VARIET Y / MATCHLESS TALENT

QUARTET SAN FRANCISCO MASTERS OF POP: THE BEATLES AND BEYOND

LES BALLETS TROCKADERO DE MONTE CARLO OPUS 76 QUARTET

DRUM TAO 2022

Editor’s Note

What Lies Beneath

Vol. 5 | No. 3 MARCH 2022 Editor In Chief Zim Loy Digital Editor Emily Park

Art Director Alice Govert Bryan photo by aaron leimkuhler

Associate Art Director Eva Tucker

ne of the great perks of being a magazine editor is that I am constantly bombarded with press releases about what’s coming up in Kansas City Recently, we received a release from the creators of Queer Eye, who, in collaboration with Amy Poehler, are coming to KC to shoot some episodes for a new series, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning. The concept is based on a best-selling book by Margareta Magnusson, titled, oddly enough, The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning: How to Free Yourself and Your Family from a Lifetime of Clutter. Somehow, I missed the book. But I’m totally down with the concept. According to the release, they are looking for Kansas Citians who feel overloaded with clutter and need help getting organized, especially if they’re in a life stage of change. You know, moving, downsizing, death, etc. Bingo. Now if you walked through my house you would say I would never qualify as a candidate. It’s as neat as a pin. In my closet, clothes hang by color, by style, and by season. Open any door or drawer and there’s a place for everything and everything is in its place. (This, of course, does not include my junk drawer. That’s off-limits.) The house I grew up in was not like that. My mother is a creative person who always has several projects. So, the projects are out and available. I’m so obsessively neat, with a designated place for everything, including scissors, because when I was little, we could never find the scissors. Now, each pair of scissors—kitchen, craft, sewing, etc.—has its place. And you’d better believe it’s there. So why would I consider myself an ideal candidate, you ask? It’s what lurks below. When I moved into my house last November 1st, I furiously unpacked everything, and in two short weeks had my home looking exactly the way it does now. With one exception—the basement. There’s so much furniture down there, it feels a bit like a consignment store. There’s art that doesn’t have a spot in the new house, as well as loads of what could be called “decorative accessories,” because I’m trying to be more minimalist. There are boxes and boxes of stuff filled with—I’m not really sure. My original plan was to take two weeks of vacation around the holidays and sort it all out. Actually, what I did was take two weeks of vacation and did absolutely nothing. My new plan is to attack it this spring. But what if Amy Poehler and company could do it for me? That sounds heavenly. I’m filling out the application tomorrow. And if by chance I don’t get selected, look for a very big garage sale this spring.

Contributing Writers Kelsey Cipolla, Judith Fertig, Timothy Finn, Cindy Hoedel, Cody Hogan, Merrily Jackson, Damian Lair, Rachel Murphy, Patricia O’Dell Contributing Photographers Andrea Brookhart, Corie English, Aaron Leimkuehler, Nate Sheets Publisher Michelle Jolles Media Director Brittany Coale Senior Media Consultants Katie Delzer, Nicole Kube, Krista Markley Newsstand Consultant Joe J. Luca, JK Associates 816-213-4101, jkassoc.net

Editorial Questions: zloy@inkansascity.com

Advertising Questions: bcoale@inkansascity.com

Distribution Questions: mjolles@inkansascity.com

Magazine Subscriptions:

Mail: IN Kansas City Subscriptions PO Box 292374, Kettering, OH 45429 Phone: 888-881-5861 Email: SUBS@inkansascity.com

Subscribe Online:

inkansascity.com Find the subscribe link under The Magazine tab

IN Kansas City is published monthly by KC Media LLC

Zim

118 Southwest Blvd., 2nd Floor Kansas City, MO 64108 816-768-8300 | inkansascity.com Annual Subscriptions are $19.95

MARCH 2022

| 12 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Now Featured at Lilliane’s Fine Jewelry

Lilliane’s J E W E L R Y

9437 Mission Rd, Leawood, KS • 913•383•3376 • lillianesjewelry.com

EXPLORE OUR WEBSITE AT

INKANSASCITY.COM ENTER TO WIN

Luck of the Irish.

Face time. We could all use a me-day, right? Here’s your chance to have a self-care sesh— on us. One lucky winner will get an aNu MD Age Defense Kit, a five-step system to improve aging skin that’s valued at $450, plus 50 units of Botox (a $700 value) from aNu Aesthetics and Optimal Wellness. Look your absolute best this spring! Enter to win by March 31 at inkansascity.com/ the-magazine/enterto-win. Good luck!

If you’re one to raise a glass (or several) to the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, make sure you’re taking advantage of Kansas City’s rich Irish culture. It’s practically a post-St. Patrick’s Day Parade must—especially since this will be the return of the parade after it was canceled due to the pandemic for the last two years. Lucky for us, there are plenty of Irish pubs and eateries around town where it’s easy to find a glass of Guinness and a hearty meal of Irish classics. Head to inkansascity.com for the ultimate list of where to get a true Irish experience on St. Patrick’s Day.

Jump start your creative side.

When Upside Bungee opened last August, Marina Diaz, co-owner of the fitness facility, had a vision much larger than simply hosting aerial bungee fitness classes. Six months later, Diaz is working to make KC’s first bungee workout spot a place that fosters community. When the space isn’t being used for bungee jumping, you can often catch it transformed into something else. One weekend it might be set up with local vendors for the West Bottoms’ First Weekends. Another evening it might be a film set. And another day you might find a live comedy show. In March, Upside Bungee is hosting an Adult Day School with classes like candle making, wood burning, jewelry design, floral arranging, and more. Learn more about the event and Diaz’s ultimate dream for the space at inkansascity.com.

Elevate your dinner table.

Chef Adam Fruehauf has been creating luxurious dining experiences at Hollywood Casino at the Kansas Speedway’s Final Cut Steakhouse since 2016. He’s curated a delectable, high-end, farm-to-table menu for the restaurant, and now he’s sharing a recipe you can use to bring the fine dining experience to your kitchen table. Fruehauf ’s Alaskan King Crab Cake recipe combines Alaskan king crab leg and claw meat with a scallop mousse that’s complemented with an aioli of chipotle chili pepper and Scandinavian style “quick pickle” cucumbers sure to wow just about any dinner guest. Head to inkansascity.com to get the recipe.

MARCH 2022

| 14 | INKANSASCITY.COM

FACEBOOK @INKANSASCITYMAGAZINE

TWITTER @INKANSASCITYMAG

INSTAGRAM @INKANSASCITYMAG

WEEKLY NEWSLETTER subscribe at INKANSASCITY.COM (under The Magazine tab)

CELEBRATING OUR DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY

Here’s to 60 years of excellence in service and design. We are proud of our legacy and look forward to continuing the tradition of creating timeless and memorable moments in design.

3515 W 75th St #201 | Prairie Village, KS 66208 913.831.1415 | NSPJARCH.COM

Women in Business

IN KC by

Emily Park

photo by

Corie English

Dionne M. King

THE CURATOR OF PEOPLE

ionne M. King can walk into just about any room and strike up meaningful conversations that leave others feeling encouraged about themselves. It’s a skill that was pointed out to her as a teenager growing up in Kansas City, Kansas, and she anchored her career around it. “I’m a curator of people,” says King. “I love being able to gather and engage people from all walks of life. The most fundamental piece that comes from having that skill set is making people feel heard, making them feel engaged, and motivating them enough to change.” For the past two decades, King has helped companies learn what building an inclusive culture in the workplace looks like. She started out working with law firms, but six years ago King realized she could make a bigger impact by branching out on her own. Now she’s the owner and chief executive officer of DMK Consults, a consulting firm that works with companies locally, nationally, and internationally to grow inclusive cultures through DEI strategizing, execMARCH 2022 |

utive leadership coaching, and mediation assistance. “I was in a position where a boss was devaluing me,” says King. “I like to excel at everything that I do, so that was a learning lesson for me. I took that lesson, and I chose to say, ‘from now on I won’t allow anyone to define me.’ I took an introspective look at ‘Who is Dionne? What value do I bring to the room? And that really empowered me.” Ask King what happened from there and she’ll liken it to jumping out of the plane and building the parachute on the way down. King left her corporate job to launch DMK Consults, not really knowing what to expect. She knew she loved her work. She knew she was good at it. And she knew that somehow, the money would come to support her endeavors. And build that parachute she did. Six years later King is helping companies across 16 industries create better workplaces. A few of her local clients include the Royals, Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Truman Medical Centers, and Commerce Bank. Nationally, she’s worked with organizations like the U.S. Air Force. And most recently, King added a global magazine company based in Stockholm to her list of clients. These days, King spends most of her time sitting in board rooms advising CEOs and other high-level executives of Fortune 500 companies. But it wasn’t until she had the opportunity to speak at her son’s school that she really felt the gravity of what she’s accomplished. “My son thinks I am so uncool. But after I finished talking, one of his friends turned to him and said, ‘man, your mama is cool. She’s tough. She owns her own business.’ And I think it hit that day,” says King. “That to me was the biggest reward. The fact that my son was like, ‘okay, a woman, a Black woman, my mom, can be a CEO and make a difference. I guess she’s a little cool.’” If you ask King what advice she wishes she’d been given when she first started out with DMK Consults, she’ll give plenty of tips. First, she’ll point out the need to reach out and create your own network. King built an impromptu advisory board filled with people who would be in her corner—people she could turn to when she needed help with the steps of building a business she was unfamiliar with. Then, she’ll say, scale your life to fit your goals. When King quit her corporate job one of the first things she did was downgrade her brand-new car to a vehicle without a big monthly payment. She learned where she could make temporary cuts to fund her new business venture, knowing she’d get to a point where she could add those extras back in. Finally, King notes that you must be willing to make mistakes. “If it doesn’t work, we will pivot. It takes away the big sting of failure— pilot and pivot.” “As a woman entrepreneur there are a number of hurdles,” says King. “There will be several ‘no’s’ but there will be many ‘yeses,’ and you have to be willing to work toward that. As an entrepreneur, you have to wake up every day and be willing to say yes to opportunities. Even if you’re not fully equipped or feel as though you don’t have a skill set for it, you will figure it out. You never know where it will lead you and that has proven good for me.”

16 | INKANSASCITY.COM

RESIDENTIAL + COMMERCIAL

•

INTERIOR DESIGN + FURNITURE

T R A N T H O M A S D E S I G N . C O M • 913.268.9595 • INFO@TRANTHOMASDESIGN.COM

INKC.indd 1

12/13/2021 5:47:59 PM

CRISTYN WATKINS, MD

Founder, CEO & Medical Director

Get your winter body ready for summer! ESTABLISHED IN 2011

Dr.Cristyn Watkins invites you to come hear about all of our Body Contouring treatments with

RSVP TO INFO@ANUAESTHETICS.COM

MARCH 2ND AT 5:30 PM | NORTH LOCATION | (816) 359-3310

Michael Stern, music director

MARVELOUS MUSIC AND FABULOUS FUN Midori

Symphony Family Concert

Buckets N Boards

Christian Reif

Symphony Classical Concert

KC Symphony Chorus Presents

Symphony Classical Concert

Friday, March 25 at 8 p.m. Saturday, March 26 at 8 p.m. Sunday, March 27 at 2 p.m.

CHARLES BRUFFY, CHORUS DIRECTOR DAN VELICER, PIANO JAN KRAYBILL, PIANO

Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m. Saturday, April 2 at 8 p.m. Sunday, April 3 at 2 p.m.

Your KC Symphony Chorus returns with a very special evening of choral masterpieces. Enjoy soaring voices performing an inspiring and interesting program — including Barber, Copland, “Kansas Boys,” “New York Girls” “Shenandoah” and more. Note: The KC Symphony does not perform as part of this concert. Tickets from $25.

CHRISTIAN REIF, GUEST CONDUCTOR RAYMOND SANTOS, PRINCIPAL CLARINET , Bill & Peggy Lyons Chair

La Mer and Brahms’ Violin Concerto

Sunday, March 13 at 2:30 p.m. JASON SEBER, DAVID T. BEALS III

ASSOCIATE CONDUCTOR

MATT LEVINGSTON, ENTERTAINER GARETH SEVER, ENTERTAINER This hilarious and dynamic show is chock-full of precise percussion, ridiculous songs, spectacular tap dancing, inventive instrumentation and unique musical talent. A Branson sensation, Buckets N Boards is an experience sure to entertain the entire family. Tickets start at $25 for adults and 10 for children.

MICHAEL STERN, CONDUCTOR MIDORI, VIOLIN ANNE CLYNE This Midnight Hour DEBUSSY La Mer BRAHMS Violin Concerto Tickets from $25.

Voices from the Heartland Pétrouchka, plus Mozart’s Thursday, March 31 at 8 p.m. Clarinet Concerto

JOAN TOWER Tambor W. A. MOZART Clarinet Concerto STRAVINSKY Pétrouchka, 1947 revision

Don’t miss our KC Symphony POPS concert, Sinatra and Friends, on April 7-9 at the Kauffman Center. Tickets from $40. CONCERTS ARE HELD IN HELZBERG HALL AT THE KAUFFMAN CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS.

ORDER NOW

( 816 ) 47 1-0400 / kcsymphony.org

Entertaining

IN KC

Well, We’re All in the Mood for a Melody LIVE MUSIC MAKES A PARTY FESTIVE AND MEMORABLE. MERRILY (SHE OF THE MELODIOUS NAME) PROVIDES TIPS FOR MAKING PARTIES MORE MUSICAL

Merrily Jackson

photo by

Corie English

n her novel Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen takes us to a party with bad music. Really, really bad music, being supplied by our heroine’s clueless sister, who has commandeered the piano forte and is favoring the crowd with a song. The music is so horrendous, in fact, the girl’s father takes matters into his own hands, dressing her down before a roomful of guests with the classic rebuke: “You have delighted us long enough.” In Regency England and every civilization before and after, music has had the power to make or break a social gathering. Of course, it’s a lot easier to have good music now than in 1813, when P & P was published. Anyone with a laptop, cheap speakers, and an internet connection can provide music that is right for every occasion. But arranging for live music—good live music— heightens the sense of occasion and shows a distinct generosity of spirit on the host’s part. Live musicians add a certain je ne sais quoi you just can’t get from a recording. Here are some recommendations for hiring musicians that will rock your house.

Email me with your entertaining questions, dilemmas, or triumphs at mjackson@inkansascity.com

MARCH 2022 |

20 | INKANSASCITY.COM

PIANISTS ADD TONE TO THE JOINT A pianist sitting at a keyboard tickling the ivories can make the most ordinary gathering seem magical. Hire a pianist to play at your next cocktail party and your guests will feel the love the moment they walk in the door. “Even if you don’t know anybody, you can always talk to the piano player,” says my talented pal Tim Whitmer, who has been playing the piano at private parties—and Kansas City’s hottest night spots—for many years. If you have a tuned piano in your home, perfect.

•

interior design residential commercial remodel new construction •

MCCROSKEYINTERIORS.COM 913-282-1161 info@mccroskeyinteriors

Entertaining

IN KC

Musicians of Note MERRILY’S HIGHLY SUBJECTIVE LIST

Our town is replete with highly talented professional entertainers. This is Kansas City, after all. Here are some of my favorite musicians who play private parties. All can easily be found by googling them. PIANISTS Tim Whitmer Candace Evans (vocalist, too) Piano tuner: Ted Horowitz STRINGS Jim Lammers—solo guitarist Roger Pitts—solo guitarist DANCE BANDS Disco Dick & the Mirrorballs—disco Fountain City 45’s—the best late and great dance hits Kokomo—classic cover Lost Wax—pop, rock, hip-hop, and blues Patrick Lentz Band—rock, soul, hip-hop and more The Zeros—80s new wave cover band

MARCH 2022 |

22 | INKANSASCITY.COM

But if you don’t, many pianists can bring their own little portable keyboards, which sound darn good. STRING ’EM ALONG A single classical or jazz guitarist is another very simple option for subtle, exquisite background music at a smaller gathering. Roger Pitts and Jim Lammers are both fabulous and highly professional guitarists. FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS Judy Garland, it’s said, used to get annoyed when, as a party guest, she would be asked to sing a number or two. But if she wasn’t asked, she positively fumed. If you have friends who are temperamental professional musicians, bear that in mind when they are guests at your party. If you have friends who are good amateur musicians, by all means ask them to liven up your gathering with a song or two, so long as it doesn’t bring the entire party to a halt, as can happen. If you have children who play a musical instrument, reserve their performance for recitals and close family gatherings. HOST A MUSICALE My music-loving friends Terry Anderson and Michael Henry have a gorgeous bubinga wood grand piano in the living room of their elegant home. Occasionally they take a notion to host cocktails, followed by an organized (but not overly so) musicale. They sometimes will hire a pianist, or they will conscript one of their talented friends to play while others perform. Everyone usually ends up standing around the piano, belting out show tunes, some of us a little off-key. It is utter perfection. Somewhere on YouTube there exists a little video of my husband and me breakin’ it down to Mack the Knife at Terry and Michael’s after a couple of martinis. I’m afraid to see it. If you have, please don’t tell me. DANCE BAND OR DJ? At some point in our lives, most of us—either independently or as a member of some silly committee—must decide whether to hire a band or a DJ for a larger party or reception. Nothing compares to a live band in terms of sound quality, excitement, and the ability to engage the crowd. A band can vary the speed of the songs, depending on the vagaries of your guests and the ambience you want to create. On the other hand, a band’s performance can seem more like a concert than dance music. Before hiring a band, always go to one of their gigs so you can judge for yourself their ability to get the crowd up and shakin’ their groove thangs. Bands can cost several thousands more than DJs, and the set-up logistics are always more complicated. A FINAL WORD FROM THE HOSPITALITY COMMITTEE Remember that musicians need to take an occasional break. In advance of your party, make arrangements for some sort of music to continue while they go out for a smoke or a text or whatever. This is particularly important with a dance band. When the music stops, people start looking at their watches and it can have a disastrous effect on the party. Also remember (not that you wouldn’t) to feed them din-din if they are playing over the dinner hour, and to tip them. Twenty percent is the standard, but if you love them and can afford more, dig a little deeper. MARCH 2022 |

913.327.8784

23 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Our Man BY

IN KC

century gripped the globe. And maybe not everyone—but for myself and many people—art, taking many forms, held powerful healing properties during this time. So, it wasn’t the lovely steak dinner that we came for. We filled the room to ensure that the elevating abilities of art don’t start and stop in certain zip codes. They can lift all boats, regardless of their size or splendor.

Damian Lair

dlair@inkansascity.com

: @damianlair #OurManINKC

Reveling with Romeo

he Heart of America Shakespeare Festival’s Romantic Revels Gala annually coincides with Valentine’s Day weekend. And who could argue with showing a little love for an organization that brings joy to so many? The gala is the primary source of income for supporting not only the cherished three-week Shakespeare Festival in the Park, but also summertime camps for children ages 8-18, and year-round educational programming in schools and around the community. Oh, and the festival? It’s a classic crowd-pleaser this year: Romeo and Juliet. June 14 – July 3 in Southmoreland Park. This year’s 30th Anniversary Gala was special indeed. Outside the Intercontinental Hotel ballroom, silent auctions kicked off the evening. The signature Romeo and Juliet cocktails helped as well. I could remember being in this place two years ago—because it was impossible to forget the last gala I attended before returning from vacation to a city that was completely shuttered. Two full years. Who’d have guessed—or believed? So, yes, the evening felt extra special. Inside the ballroom, candelabras flickered, and chandeliers sparkled. We were greeted by everyone’s favorite HASF executive artistic director, Sidonie Garrett. Among the evening’s festivities was, easily, the best and most entertaining fund-a-need I’ve experienced. No simple task to create fun amidst pleas for money! I shouldn’t have been surprised that these creatives nailed it. Equal-parts fundraising and performance, we were invited to a Shakespeare enactment—with challenges. Imagine shoddy lighting, then poor props, then untrained actors. No money for costume deodorizing? Also, best left to your imagination. Amidst all this, Evan Cleaver made a convincing and charming Romeo. Stand-in (non-actor) Bill Ye… well, this is why we give. Chairs Jessica and Jason Chanos were on hand to graciously bestow the Founder’s Award on superstar supporters, Bernie and Scott Ashcraft. Perhaps because I was feeling sentimental and reflective about the two years that had just passed, I noted one of Scott’s simple but poignant remarks: “Great art elevates the humanity in all of us.” I would imagine that most people suffered or struggled in some way—and may Damian Lair with Good Will still—as the first global pandemic in a at Romantic Revels Gala.

MARCH 2022 |

A TRIP NORTH ON A RECENT FRIDAY, I met up with friends at a place they’d recently fallen head over heels for—Sail Away Wine. Coming straight from work, we managed to grab ourselves one of the few empty tables. It remained entirely full for the rest of our time there. Sail Away was—for me—a brandnew wine experience. It’s also the first of its kind in Kansas City. Unless you’ve been before, your first task will be securing a free “wine passport”—a personalized credit card of sorts. Then, browse the tasting bar’s selection of 72 rotating wines, organized by type. Each has an informative tearaway description that you take back to your table for trading notes with your sipping companions. All you need to do is insert your passport card, and your name appears on a screen with pour options: 1 oz., 3 oz. or 5 oz. Wondering what a certain wine tastes like? Don’t guess—try just an ounce. Find something you really like? Pour a full glass. There’s a reason their tagline is “Taste the World One Sip at a Time.” I loved the low-commitment aspect and the ability to experience numerous wines in a way that’s more challenging if you’re ordering by the bottle or a limited by-the-glass menu. There’s also a variety of price points, with pour samples starting around $1.50 and escalating with pour volume and each wine’s cost. You can also order by the bottle or take one home at a discount. Your card’s tab is settled at the end of your stay. I began with a Veneto pinot grigio sample, purely because it’s a region in Italy that I’m fond of. I was quickly reminded that, regardless of my regional favoritism, I abhor pinot grigio. Still. Glad it was just an ounce. I moved onto another white—a chardonnay savignan blend, with hints of walnut, apple, and toffee. Delightful. Switching to red, but remaining in France, I tried a pinot noir sancerre rouge that was very nice. Finally, I went for something on their pricier end. For that, I chose a Côte Bonneville red from Washington’s Yakima Valley, with a bottle price of $195. Of course, a glass was just a fraction of that price, and I still got to enjoy the subtle tastes and aromas of coffee, barrel spice, tart cherry, and cranberry. Throughout, we nibbled on various charcuterie boards that I insisted upon. It was a truly unique and fun experience that we universally enjoyed, and for which I will definitely return. Beyond Sail Away Wine, which we specifically ventured this direction for, we had no other plans. So, we wandered directly across the street (Armour Road) to a place that looked charming: Mitch e Amaro. And it was. Part upscale retail liquor experience (in the front) and part cocktail bar and lounge (toward the back), it was another unique concept. It’s a place where cocktail nerds can totally geek out on hard-to-find products, and novices can expand their creative horizons. A liquor mega store it is not. They maintain a thoughtfully assembled selection of more unusual amaro, aperitivos, gin, mezcal, tequila, cachaça, whiskey, bitters, barware, and books. The cocktail bar is an integral part of this shopping experience. The bartender can demonstrate techniques, answer questions, and of course, pour you a corresponding cocktail before you commit to any bottle purchase. I was in the mood for something more exotic, so I ordered a matcha highball from their Japanese Whisky cocktail menu. Combined with

24 | INKANSASCITY.COM

lemon, honey ginger syrup, and soda, it was OVERHEARD refreshing and comforting at the same time. “You got a light?” Not sure where to head next, we flipped a “No. Sorry. I only coin whether to take a left or right down Arsmoke in Paris.” mour. Left won the day, and we didn’t stumble far. A few doors down, we found Cultivar. It was surely the live music that grabbed our attention from the sidewalk. Cultivar is a shared space for food, drink, and entertainment. That live music? It was coming from The Rino. Which, coincidently, was hosting a costume dance party. That would explain the unicorn and cowboy at the bar. The dance floor was packed, so we saddled ourselves up to the bar— alongside what ended up being some very interesting characters. But, that’s a story for another day. With the chilly weather outside, I ordered what sounded appropriate—the Fireside Chat. With botanical vodka, pomegranate, house-made honey sage syrup, splash of rum, and a few passes under a flame torch, it warmed me right up. Next to the cocktail bar, is a bar of different sorts—a vegan food counter, Dead Beet Eats. Saving room for dinner—but obligated to try something—we snacked on the pretzel babies, paired with beer mustard and vegan nacho cheese. Upon witnessing others’ orders, we should have doubled down on the freaky fries and the burger, but it’s a reason to return. I also really wanted to dig into the offerings at Sweet Emotion, which feature oat milk ice cream, the most gorgeous vegan/gluten-free cookies, and naturally—ice cream sandwiches that smash together the best of both those worlds. Elsewhere inside Cultivar is Post Coffee Company, The Triceratops Room professional recording studio, Barnasty Ferments handcrafted fermented sauces, Grimm Bitters liquid spice rack, and finally, brewChurch, a faith community committed to authenticity and inclusivity. The novelty of a church and bar/entertainment venue sharing space together in harmony struck me with curiosity and led me to their website to learn more. Their vision can be best described here: “We’ve found that some of the deepest conversations and moments of growth can happen around a drink—whether coffee or beer or a craft cocktail. The hope is to break down the wall between the sacred and the secular because we can encounter God in a variety of places.” How divine. Final stop: dinner. We’d all been hearing about the still-quite-new Pizza Tascio, so we had to try it. They close up shop at 9 p.m., and I think we graced them with our presence at 8:55. No time for complicated orders on this night. Fortunately, the walk-up counter has slices ready to be warmed in their pizza oven and then straight to your plate. Very Sbarro’s style—and I mean that in the most endearing way possible. While Tascio has a thicker-crust Sicilian option—which I of course tried—New York-style pizza is their game. And if I’m the referee, they are winning. The pizza was as delicious and satisfying as they were gracious in entertaining our nonsense, when I’m sure they’d have rather been on their way to their own late-night Friday plans. We ate fast, and the roof of my scorched mouth is still paying the price. Rather than trashing the remaining slices before closing up, they sent us all home with pizza for breakfast. Really nice folks. Being just a stone’s throw across the river, I know I’ll be back soon to repay the favor. It was the perfect closing to what was an entirely uncharted evening, visiting all new places, in a neighborhood I don’t visit often enough. A quintessentially Kansas City adventure.

So, KC—where do you want to go? XO MARCH 2022 |

25 | INKANSASCITY.COM

NOBLE DESIGNS

At Noble Designs, our passion is designing homes and spaces for our clients that reflect their needs in a style that lasts. We are a full service interior design firm ready to help with your new build, renovation or just simple updates to make your home beautiful.

12260 State Line Road, Leawood, KS 66209 (913) 218-0001 | www.saranobledesigns.com

Sell Trade Washing Restoration Again “THE KNOTTIER THE BETTER” Knotty Rug Co. Kansas City’s Largest and Most Reputable Showroom 4510 STATE LINE RD.



KANSAS CIT Y, KS 66103



(913) 677-1877



WWW.KNOT T YRUG.COM

BURLINGTON CREEK

SENIOR LIVING

Beautifully Built

THE PL AZA

FOR A FULL, RICH LIFE

Gracious and warm, Anthology Senior Living communities feature an innovative design and uncompromising care for those who desire a lifestyle of passion and purpose. SCHEDULE A VISIT TO ONE OR ALL OF OUR KANSAS CITY AREA COMMUNITIES

O V E R L A N D PA R K

ANTHOLOGY OF BURLINGTON CREEK

816-256-8854

ASSISTED LIVING / MEMORY CARE

ANTHOLOGY OF THE PL AZA

816-527-8167

ASSISTED LIVING / MEMORY CARE

A N T H O L O G Y O F O V E R L A N D PA R K

913-951-8259

ASSISTED LIVING / MEMORY CARE

A N T H O L O G Y O F O L AT H E

913-747-4057

INDEPENDENT LIVING ASSISTED LIVING / MEMORY CARE CONTINUE YOUR LIFE STORY WITH US

AnthologyKansasCity.com

O L AT H E

Spring Spring is Just Spring Spring is is is Just Just Just Around Around the Corner. Around Around the the the Corner. Corner. Corner. And And so the Spring And And so so so is isis is the the the Spring Spring Spring Real Real Estate Market. Real Real Estate Estate Estate Market. Market. Market.

Whether Whetherinterested interestedininbuying buyingor or Whether Whetherinterested interestedininbuying buyingor or selling, selling,now nowisisthe thetime timetotostart start selling, selling,now nowisisthe thetime timetotostart start getting gettingready. ready.All Allof ofus usat atLocate Locate getting gettingready. ready.All Allof ofus usat atLocate Locate are areready readytotomeet, meet,advise, advise,support, support, are areready readytotomeet, meet,advise, advise,support, support, and andanswer answerany anyquestions questionsyou you and andanswer answerany anyquestions questionsyou you have haveabout aboutthe therapid rapidreal realestate estate have haveabout aboutthe therapid rapidreal realestate estate market. market.Give Giveus usaacall callto toset setyour your market. market.Give Giveus usaacall callto toset setyour your plan planininmotion. motion. plan planininmotion. motion.

Tom TomSuther Suther Tom TomSuther Suther 816.585.6144 816.585.6144 816.585.6144 816.585.6144 tom.suther@compass.com tom.suther@compass.com tom.suther@compass.com tom.suther@compass.com

Kevin KevinBryant Bryant Kevin KevinBryant Bryant 816.769.9564 816.769.9564 816.769.9564 816.769.9564 kevin.d.bryant@compass.com kevin.d.bryant@compass.com kevin.d.bryant@compass.com kevin.d.bryant@compass.com

Becky BeckyLoboda Loboda Becky BeckyLoboda Loboda 913.481.8270 913.481.8270 913.481.8270 913.481.8270 becky.loboda@compass.com becky.loboda@compass.com becky.loboda@compass.com becky.loboda@compass.com

Katherine KatherineGregg Gregg Katherine KatherineGregg Gregg 816.679.8500 816.679.8500 816.679.8500 816.679.8500 katherine.gregg@compass.com katherine.gregg@compass.com katherine.gregg@compass.com katherine.gregg@compass.com

Kathy KathyGreen Green Kathy KathyGreen Green 816.520.1281 816.520.1281 816.520.1281 816.520.1281 kathy.green@compass.com kathy.green@compass.com kathy.green@compass.com kathy.green@compass.com

Sandy SandyPalmer Palmer Sandy SandyPalmer Palmer 816.419.9797 816.419.9797 816.419.9797 816.419.9797 sandy.palmer@compass.com sandy.palmer@compass.com sandy.palmer@compass.com sandy.palmer@compass.com

Heidi HeidiPeter Peter Heidi HeidiPeter Peter 816.217.7100 816.217.7100 816.217.7100 816.217.7100 heidi.peter@compass.com heidi.peter@compass.com heidi.peter@compass.com heidi.peter@compass.com

Locate Locate is a is team a team of of real real estate estate agents agents affiliated affiliated with with Compass Compass Realty Realty Group, Group, a licensed a licensed real real estate estate broker broker and and abides abides byby Equal Equal Housing Housing Opportunity Opportunity laws. laws. AllAll material material presented presented herein herein is intended is intended forfor informational informational purposes purposes only. only. Information Information is compiled is compiled from from sources sources deemed deemed reliable reliable is subject is subject toestate to errors, errors, omissions, omissions, changes changes inCompass in price, price, condition, condition, sale, sale, withdrawal withdrawal without without notice. notice. Photos Photos may may be be virtually virtually staged staged or or digitally digitally enhanced enhanced and and may may notnot reflect reflect actual actual property property conditions. conditions. Compass Compass Realty Realty Group Group 816.280.2773 816.280.2773 | 913.382.6711. | 913.382.6711. Locate Locate is a isbut team a but team of of real real estate agents agents affiliated affiliated with with Compass Realty Realty Group, Group, aor licensed aor licensed real real estate estate broker broker and and abides abides byby Equal Equal Housing Housing Opportunity Opportunity laws. laws. AllAll material material presented presented herein herein is intended is intended forfor informational informational purposes purposes only. only. Information Information is compiled is compiled from from sources sources deemed deemed reliable reliable butbut is subject is subject to to errors, errors, omissions, omissions, changes changes in in price, price, condition, condition, sale, sale, or or withdrawal withdrawal without without notice. notice. Photos Photos may may bebe virtually virtually staged staged or or digitally digitally enhanced enhanced and and may may notnot reflect reflect actual actual property property conditions. conditions. Compass Compass Realty RealtyGroup Group 816.280.2773 816.280.2773 | 913.382.6711. | 913.382.6711.

Arts&Culture

IN KC

Maryfrances Wagner THE WRITER AND POET LAUREATE ANSWERS FOUR QUESTIONS by

Judith Fertig

head were taken off, I know that is poetry.” Yet Wagner does want people to relate to a poem in some way—even if she has to stuff a tiny book of poetry in their grocery bag. maryfranceswagnerwriter. fieldserveinfo.com

s Maryfrances Wagner read her original place-centered poem at the Missouri Capitol this past summer, she officially began her tenure as Missouri Poet Laureate for 2021-2023, appointed by Governor Mike Parson. In verse, she celebrated the place where she and her husband, Greg Field, love to walk their dogs: Little Blue Trace, still as glass all winter, breaks its silence to eel around its curves. (Read the entire poem at missouriartscouncil. org/missouri-poet-laureate) The Independence, Missouri, native has taught creative writing at all levels and has served on the boards of the American Poet Series and Kansas City Creates, which produces the Fringe Festival. Currently, she is the programming chair of The Writers Place, which hosts monthly virtual readings by writers in the Kansas City area and beyond. One of her missions as poet laureate is “to reach out to people who don’t usually read poetry or even think they like it,” she says. “Not every poem has to blow the top of my head off,” she says, echoing the eminent poet Emily Dickinson, who once wrote, “If I feel physically as if the top of my

INKC: What is a poet laureate and what are your duties? Wagner: Essentially, the Missouri Poet Laureate promotes poetry throughout the state. Because of Covid, it’s been impossible to do much traveling, so I’ve been working on other projects statewide. One is the creation of tiny books by ten Missouri poets who hand them out to people who don’t usually read poetry. Sometimes I drop them in a grocery bag or give them to people while I’m out walking. I’ve also done ten podcasts with ten more Missouri poets. The Missouri Arts Council has been uploading them to Anchor, Spotify, Apple, the DESE state site, as well as other podcast options. The hope is that teachers will share them with students, and people will listen to them in their car, while making dinner, or when they want to sit down to write. Each podcast asks the poet to answer two questions about the craft, give a writing prompt, and read two poems. INKC: How did your Italian family encourage writing poetry? Wagner: My mother used to write little poems. Usually they were about nature, and she would tuck them into our lunch bags, camping gear, duffel bag, or suitcase. Sometimes she put them on our pillows or at our dinner plates. My dad also included a poem he wrote for my mother in each card he gave her. When I was in junior high, a teacher asked us to write about country living, and my parents suggested I try a poem. The teacher put it in the school literary maga-

MARCH 2022

| 30 | INKANSASCITY.COM

photo by

Andrea Brookhart

zine, and, thus, my career direction began. Many of my poems have come from my family’s Italian background. I have a chapbook of Aunt Mary poems, monologues of her talking. Every one of my books has a section of family poems, and the latest book, The Immigrants’ New Camera, is a collection of family poems. My family, especially my storytelling aunts, always gave me good material. I think any writer writes from what he or she knows, has lived, or has observed, and traditions show up in our writing. INKC: Why is making poetry more accessible so important to you? Wagner: Any time I have taught poetry in a literature and non-writing class, students at all levels have balked when we came to the poetry unit. Many of them said they didn’t like poetry and didn’t “get it.” I always said, “Give me a chance to change your mind,” and exposed them to poems I thought would connect with them. Like most poets, I’ve wanted to touch the human spirit and move the reader. That’s what I want to happen to me as well when I read a poem. Not every poem is easily accessible, and not every poem will have the same impact on a person, but poems abound out there for all of us. I want to help find those poems for people. INKC: How has the Kansas City metro area

nurtured your creative spirit? Wagner: I think I am the only Missouri Poet

Laureate who has lived an entire life in Missouri, so naturally, I know and feel its rhythms, its seasons. I have favorite places: the Plaza and Brookside for great shops and restaurants, downtown where we window shopped and ate in tea rooms, Union Station, Crown Center, Starlight, Swope Park, and the City Market, where I still go for spices and herbs and Italian specialties. Also, I have a great love for nature, and my husband, Greg Field, and I walk our dogs every day along Little Blue Trace trail. Much of what I see ends up in my poems.

Bank Like Anything’s Possible Flight was once impossible. See what is your new possible... equitybank.com/possible | 913-323-9300

Member FDIC

Arts & Culture by

IN KC

Judith Fertig

GIRL WITH THE PEARL EARRING, THE PAPER TOWEL COLLAR, THE CROWN OF ETHERNET CABLES WITH A DEEPLY DARK BACKGROUND, the famous Dutch light catches the milkmaid complexion of The Girl in various attitudes. At first glance, these look like Vermeer paintings, or could they be Van Dyck or Rembrandt? No, they’re evocative, mesmerizing photographs by contemporary Dutch photographer Hendrik Kerstens. In a series of photographs taken over 25 years, he captured the enigmatic beauty of his daughter, Paula, who truly looks like she could have sat for any Dutch Golden Age portrait four hundred years ago. Yet Kerstens doesn’t mimic as much as get us to look closer, inserting sly modern twists—paper towels, ethernet cables, cellophane, a black garbage bag—that hint at contemporary concerns. Conventional motifs mix with modern topics. View Kerstens’ reimagined Dutch Old Masters photographs at Haw Contemporary. hawcontemporary.com Cellophane by Hendrik Kerstens

Beautiful linen sectionals, chairs, sofas and much more have arrived and are available off the showroom floor.

CHECK OUR WEBSITE FOR UPDATES

WWW.LUXURIAHOME.COM

Corbin Park Retail Village | 6401 W 135th Street, Overland Park, KS 66223 | 913-261-9726

MARCH 2022

| 32 | INKANSASCITY.COM

ELGAR’S FIRST, PURCELL’S 17TH CENTURY MUSIC, AND MOZART’S CONCERTO NO. 24 WITH GUEST CONDUCTOR Michael Francis and pianist Martina Filjak, the Kansas City Symphony performs a touching, imaginative, and soul-stirring concert with musical pieces rarely heard together. Seventeenth-century composer Henry Purcell was the star of English Baroque music in 1680. Modern British composer Benjamin Britten channeled Purcell’s Chacony in G minor, arranging it for today’s string orchestra, guaranteed to transport you to a cathedral close or stately home in the English countryside. Mozart’s Piano Concerto No. 24 for keyboard and orchestra is up next, a brooding and profound piece that has been described as “a miraculous example of stillness in motion.” Leave it to Mozart to accomplish the impossible and pianist Filjak to make it memorable. Lastly, self-taught composer Edward Elgar’s Symphony No. 1 rounds out the program. When this premiered in 1908, it became a national and international triumph, heading from Manchester, England to New York and Vienna, with 100 performances around the world within a year. Elgar favored an abstract, nonprogrammatic work without a story behind it. For Elgar, “Music, as a simple art, was at its best when it was simple, without description.” Performances are March 4 through 6. Check for Covid protocols before you go at kauffmancenter.org.

Florence Price

#190808

TWO PERFECT. Whether you choose our brass or black finish, you'll love how this modern, airy chandelier fills your space without overwhelming the room. It's just one of the many exclusive designs in our flawless Mariana Home collection.

OVERLAND PARK 10530 Marty St. 913.642.1500 Mon-Fri 9 to 6 | Sat 10 to 5

MARCH 2022

| 33 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Arts & Culture BY

IN KC

Judith Fertig

RITE OF SPRING: CIRCA “SACRE” WHEN IT DEBUTED IN 1913, Igor Stravinsky’s avant-garde music for the ballet Rite of Spring caused an uproar. Rarely do “ballet” and “uproar” belong in the same sentence, but Stravinsky’s dissonant music, Nijinsky’s suggestive choreography, and Nicholas Roerich’s wildly colored costumes and set designs jolted the genteel audience. Proper Victorians, even those in Paris, weren’t used to that. Today, Rite of Spring delivers another jolt, this time with an explosively physical performance by Circa, an acrobatic ensemble based in Brisbane, Australia. Ten acrobats bring to life the primitive rituals celebrating the advent of spring. Created by Yaron Lifschitz and the Circa Ensemble, this Rite of Spring helps March roar in like the lion it’s supposed to be. This is how the circus should come to town. The performance is March 5 at the Midwest Trust Center (formerly the Carlsen Center) at Johnson County Community College. For more information, visit jccc.edu/ midwest-trust-center/events.

International Materials of Design TILE & STONE

4691 Indian Creek Parkway (I-435 & Roe) Overland Park, KS 913.383.3383

www.imdtile.com

MARCH 2022

| 34 | INKANSASCITY.COM

PHOTO BY JACOB LUCAS

THE (R)EVOLUTION OF STEVE JOBS AN OPERA about a tech icon? Why not? You may not understand how to take a screenshot, but you can fully understand this Kansas City Lyric Opera performance, as it’s in English. Composed by Mason Bates with libretto by Mark Campbell, conducted by Michael Christie, and directed by Tom Zvulun, this innovative opera packs on the drama. Hippie idealist, Zen Buddhist, and brilliant contrarian Steve Jobs revolutionized the computer industry and helped launch the Apple computer and iPhone. Yet at the same time, this complicated genius had major flaws, namely his management style and poor treatment of his out-of-wedlock daughter. The opera begins as Jobs confronts his own mortality after a cancer diagnosis and looks back on his personal and professional life. His last words, befitting an operatic ending, were Oh wow. Oh wow. Oh wow. Performances are March 11 through 13. For tickets and safety requirements, visit kcopera.org.

THEBEST BESTLAID LAID THE

PLANTS PLANTS ...will never when Greensman ...will never go go awryawry when TheThe Greensman designs installs planting beds, designs andand installs youryour newnew planting beds, patio, water feature or outdoor kitchen. patio, pool,pool, water feature or outdoor kitchen. Greensman a full-service landscape TheThe Greensman is ais full-service landscape design, installation & maintenance company. design, installation & maintenance company. design consultation today. CallCall for for youryour design consultation today.

the the

reensman reensman (816) 523-1516 (816) 523-1516 www.thegreensman.com www.thegreensman.com

MARCH 2022

| 35 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Behind the Music

IN KC

Laurel Morgan Parks by

Timothy Finn

photo by

Corie English

What was your childhood like? Laurel Morgan Parks: I had a great childhood, mostly. I was raised on

a street in Lincoln, Nebraska, where every house had at least one kid living there. I was always outside and did various entrepreneurial activities with other children, everything from starting a nature club to going door-to-door to sell things to neighbors. I have one younger sister, about three-and-a-half years younger. My dad worked at a [mental-health facility] at night and went to college during the day to study computer programming. My mom did various jobs but mostly stayed home with us when we were little. When did music first come into your life? Who was/were your first musical influences? LMP: My dad is a musician. He is self-taught and was always playing the piano or guitar. One day he brought home a violin, and I begged for lessons. I was just drawn to the instrument. So my mom put me in lessons at the age of 4. My aunt was also very influential musically. She was in the underground punk band Tilt in the ’80s and ’90s and would always send me postcards from all over the world when she was on tour. I really looked up to her. She told me it was B.S. that you couldn’t make money as an artist/musician and that I wouldn’t be able to see the entire path but I would always be able to see the next step. That sealed the deal for me to go into music as a career. Musically I was very inspired by the great violinists. I saw Itzhak Perlman on Sesame Street and became a huge fan. There were others as well: Midori, Jascha Heifitz, Issac Stern, Anne Sophie-Mutter.

hen she entered the music world, Laurel Morgan Parks pursued a destination that would not become her destiny. While growing up in a musical family in Nebraska, Parks fell in love with the violin at the very young age of 4, and it became her obsession, which led to another deep interest, classical music. That jibed with her religious upbringing, which forbade her from listening to secular music. And when she turned 18, she expected classical music would be the heart and soul of her professional career. In some ways it still is, but in more significant ways, it is not. Parks has followed a narrative inspired by a very different philosophy (thanks to one teacher in particular) and an awakening to the grand and vibrant world beyond and outside classical and Christian music. She recently answered questions from IN Kansas City about her many music projects, which include an ensemble with her husband, Ben Parks (a fellow musician and a visual artist), and a free-wheeling classical-music radio show in which the occasional poop joke might find its way into the discussion. MARCH 2022

What was it about the violin? LMP: I can’t really explain it, but I felt like I had to play the violin. It

drew me in. I was adamant. The Suzuki teacher didn’t give me a real violin until I’d had about six months of learning with a fake instrument. Who are your biggest violin inspirations? LMP: Hands down, Alasdair Frazer has been one of my biggest influences. When I switched from playing primarily classical and went to folk music—more of the fiddle, less of the violin—I went to a workshop by Alasdiar and was in tears by the end. He talked about freeing the bow and enlivening the chakras when you play and basically un-training yourself from being a classical robot. I also like the players around town who can improvise and are great showmen. Shane Borth and Colleen Dieker are so fun to work with, and they are also crossover like me. What was the first album you owned? The first album you bought?

| 36 | INKANSASCITY.COM

LMP: I grew up in a very fundamentalist Christian church (speaking in

tongues, casting out demons, etc) which was very fun, but the church was always getting the youth to stop listening to secular music. So many kids would burn their music collections in these great displays of allegiance to Jesus. (And then re-buy them later). Because of that, I have a lot of pop music holes in my musical knowledge. I am now going through Rolling Stone’s [magazine] top 500 albums of all time to fill in those gaps. I cringe at some of the Christian music I was into as a teenager. The first album I owned was Automatic for the People by R.E.M., which later got burned and then re-bought. I still like R.E.M. I bought the tape at a garage sale and just loved the sound of the band. I didn’t even know who they were before I bought the tape. The first album I bought? Hmmmm. I am sure it was something classical because I went wild with a credit card at Barnes and Noble when I was 18, buying all sorts of classical CDs. I was thinking I was going to become a classical musician solely; that’s why I went to music school. So I tried to familiarize myself with as much Western classical music as possible.

Finish this sentence: “People might be surprised to know that I like the music of ...” LMP: I don’t know what people would be surprised by with me, but I did surprise myself while going through the Rolling Stone list that the genre that I enjoy the most is hip-hop.

You are a violin instructor/teacher. What is your teaching philosophy and who inspired it? LMP: Growing up I had a lot of tough teachers that incited fear in me, and for a while I taught that way, too, because that was all I knew. Now I really believe you can get the same results with kindness. What I love about teaching is connecting people with the healing power of music. I don’t teach kids anymore, just adults who really want to play. When you play the violin and are just beginning you cannot think about anything else in your life. The violin takes the entire brain. It is an escape for people. And I don’t think you have to have started when you were a kid to enjoy playing. You can just enjoy music and have fun doing it at any age. I continue to study music and techniques from all over the world, and I teach what I learn to my students. One of your music projects is Of Tree, which includes you and your husband, Ben Parks, who is also a prominent and gifted visual artist. So, a lot of heavy creativity going on there. How would you describe the artistic dynamics of your relationship, as in figuring out what takes precedence, etc.? LMP: Well, both of us are not the type of people who like to sit around. Because my income is 100 percent from my music and related businesses, I am always busy. We give each other a lot of space to do our individual projects. I know sometimes there might be times where I don’t see Ben because after his day job he works another eight hours at his art studio. And he

Out of this world Lighting. . . Discovered at Rensen House of Lights The allure of our solar system inspires our newest lighting designs that are simply out of this world. SEE, TOUCH and TAKE HOME an incredible selection of modern lighting designs, art and home accents at Rensen House of Lights today.

Lenexa • 9212 Marshall Dr. (92nd & I-35) • 913-888-0888 Hours: Mon-Fri 9 to 7pm, Sat 10 to 6pm, Sun 12 to 5pm

MARCH 2022

| 37 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Visit our website and shop 24/7 www.RensenHouseofLights.com

Behind the Music

IN KC

knows sometimes I work nights. Sometimes we go to dinner at midnight just because that’s the only time we can see each other. Art and music are our main priorities in life. We are also very supportive of each other’s crafts. Ben comes to all of my gigs and concerts, and I go to Ben’s art events. Of Tree is our mutual project. Because we are married, we’ve learned how to walk the tightrope of creating in that band. Sometimes things get tense, but we’ve found a pretty good working relationship and we try not to fight in front of the other band members—John Bersuch on drums and Pat Thomas on bass. Right now we are in recording mode again. We are working with Shadow Scape records, which produces records at such a high level. They did our first record and now we are going in for round two. How would you describe Of Tree and its music? How has it evolved? LMP: Of Tree is dark indie-folk. Very atmospheric and doesn’t usually follow standard pop/folk song forms. I think our songs used to be very dark/depressing, but as we’ve gotten older, life has gotten better, and that is reflected in the music. Our music is also heavily influenced by some of the experiences we’ve had with various plant medicines—including ayahuasca. Ben used to write all the songs and I would jump in later and work out a bridge or violin part. Now I am writing songs, too. Ben always

wants a balance of equal songs between him and me. LOL. He does not want me to take over. The Wires is you and cellist Sascha Groschang. You have been a duo for many years and your music is so wonderful and unique. How would you describe it? And how has it evolved over the years? LMP: The Wires writes/performs original, dramatic string music. When we perform now we put on a show. It’s not just music. We have stories, banter, humor, etc. to sort of disarm the audience and invite them to be part of the experience with us. We have evolved in the sense that we treat the Wires as a full-time job. We have a planner, set goals, and take on many ambitious projects. It’s very intense to work together because we are trying to do a lot and have a lot of deadlines. Sascha has an amazing work ethic, and we both sort of feel unlimited in terms of what we can do at this point. The pandemic really taught us how to be musicians who set their own terms. We’ve learned a lot of business skills as well. Musically we’ve started collaborating with other musicians. We just wrote a piece with Calvin Arsenia about a tuna salad that chef Celina Tio made. It was for a charity event for Cornerstones of Care. We are also writing a piece for Becky Bliss of Barnaby Bright to sing on. We’ve worked with Blue False Indigo and have plans to collaborate more with Beau Bledsoe of Ensemble Iberica as well as the Americana singer Leah Sproul.

FOR SALE THE WALNUTS

5049 Wornall Road Unit #9EF $1,495,000

SPONSORED CONTENT

“THIS IS WHO I AM” AN INTERIOR DESIGNER PULLS BACK THE CURTAIN ON THE CREATIVE PROCESS By Katy Schamberger

PRESENTED BY

Visit www.KarinRossDesigns.com to explore Ross’s design and remodeling portfolio and schedule a consultation.

ou’ve spent more time than usual in your home throughout the last two years. That time has given you valuable insight into what you’d change about where you live—improving functionality of your kitchen, for example, or creating a more stylish, welcoming space that’s as inviting as it is efficient, the ideal place to cook but also to entertain and gather. You create a vision in your mind, aided by a few pieces of inspiration—magazine clippings, perhaps, or furnishings and finishes you’ve bookmarked on Pinterest. Then, you take an important next step: enlisting the help of a professional designer like Karin Ross, owner of Karin Ross Designs. Karin spends time with you, understanding your home, what you want to change and what you love. Guided by her impeccable taste that often includes European influences from her homeland, Karin creates a spectacular plan; the sort of remodeling project that turns your home into a show-stopper. As Karin and her team source materials, there’s just one cloud on an otherwise clear horizon: unavoidable sticker shock. As a result of pandemic-induced challenges

and other economic factors, prices throughout the home interiors industry have gone up. “It’s important for us to let clients know that, although prices have gone up, they’ve also increased in other industries, not just home interiors,” Karin says. “And the upside: when you finish updating your home, the value of your home will increase, too, so you can recoup that investment.” An investment: such a fitting term. After all, that’s exactly what you’re doing: investing money into your home in order to gain a more profitable return. It doesn’t necessarily matter if you don’t have plans to sell your home in the near future; think of it instead as a smart financial decision that will pay off years, even decades, down the road. Karin and her team have embraced the new industry landscape, using increased prices as a motivating factor, rather than a deterrent.

“I want to be sure that a client’s personality is reflected in the vision.” “These changes don’t mean that you need to put your dreams on hold,” she says. “Instead, it’s more important than ever to find a way to make your vision for your home happen now.” And that’s why it’s even more critical now than ever to enlist the help of a professional like Karin. You want to ensure that every bit of your investment is wisely spent, the finished product even better than you imagined. Karin and her team can make that happen, from identifying where to splurge and where to save in a particular project to bringing all of those details, elements, materials, furnishings into a truly one-of-a-kind masterpiece. “When we work together, I don’t have packages that I’m selling,” Karin says. “I truly create, from scratch, a new plan for each client. My team and I are setting a new stan-

dard for contemporary luxury and elegance.” Karin keeps another consideration at the forefront of each of her projects: telling a home’s story. There’s no doubt that, when Karin and her team have finished, the client will experience a transformed space. Yet it’s equally important to make sure that transformed space isn’t disconnected from the rest of the home, especially if a client opts for a more gradual, phased approach to a home update. There will undoubtedly be differences between the areas that are updated and those that retain their original look and feel, but the overall result is a home that feels newly invigorated, refreshed—the perfect space in which to start a new chapter of post-pandemic life. “Every creation is custom and tells the story of the home and client while also fixing any problems that a client might have with the space,” Karin says. “I want to be sure that a client’s personality is reflected in the

vision. We specialize in luxury, in setting a new standard for what luxury means and how it becomes a natural part of the home. For me, this is so much more than what I do. It’s who I am, and when we work together, you’ll have no doubt you’re in good hands.” To explore the work of Karin Ross Designs and set up your own consultation, visit karinrossdesigns.com.

Look

IN KC

Fashion

Rachel Murphy

Free the Legs!

don’t think anyone felt the sea change in the air, but a familiar era has dawned anew. Gone are the days of pants so tight that internal organs were sacrificed. Welcome back, wide-leg trousers and jeans. Perhaps it was the months of Zoom calls in our sweatpants.

Maybe it’s just a cyclical thing. Maybe there’s a surplus of fabric now that the supply chain is righting itself. No matter what, pants that allow you to bend deeply without fear of reprisal are back, and frankly, we are here for it. Pair with a chunky sneaker or worn-in combat boot and a body-conscious top for balance.

CHECK YOUR BAGGAGE Wide-leg trousers and prints seem to go hand in hand this season. These earthy checks in soft linen will be a seasonless staple. Pair with a cardigan and crop top now; switch out to a well-loved graphic tee or tank in the summer for an effortlessly casual look. Scotch and Soda Edie checked wide-leg trousers, $188, available at Luna by Ulah (Westwood).

SWEEPING CHANGES One of the things that makes today’s wide-leg jeans look fresh and not like a ’90s revamp is the waistline. Gone are the belly-baring low waists. This comfortably high waist lengthens the look of the leg and makes it grown-up appropriate. This pair, made from Italian denim, is comfortable and oh-so-stylish with blockheeled boots and a slim-cut cashmere sweater. Black Orchid Jill high-waisted wide-leg denim, $228, available at Alysa Rene Boutique (Park Place).

CROCODILE DUNGAREES Take the utilitarian trend but make it fashion. That’s what Ulla Johnson did with their garment-washed utility cotton Wilde pant. In a fresh take on a basic, this high-waisted pant features styled flap-front pockets and an ankle-skimming length that makes it fresh for spring and summer. Pair it with anything—this is your everyday uniform for comfort and style. Ulla Johnson Wilde pant in cedar, $365, available at Halls (Crown Center).

MARCH 2022 |

42 | INKANSASCITY.COM

+ $500 off an EMSculpt package

Spring = Break Ready!

8-pack of classes for $75 (normally $119)

F45 Leawood 3803 W 95th St Leawood, KS 66206

f45training.com/leawood

913.680.0155

facebook.com/F45trainingleawood

@f45_training_leawood

Let us help you look and feel your best, just in time to bare it all on Spring Break. We are partnering with our friends at F45 Leawood to really kick it up a notch. Take your high-intensity workout from F45 to Hollyday. Put in 45 minutes of work with F45’s functional full-body workouts and double up at Hollyday with EMSculpt to build muscle and burn fat. Tighten and tone your abs, glutes, quads, hamstrings, biceps and triceps. With EMSculpt, each 30-minute session induces thousands of supramaximal contractions that cannot be achieved by voluntary action. You work hard at the gym so take this time to lay down, relax and let EMSculpt do the work for you.

hollyday med spa One East Gregory Boulevard KC, MO 64114

hollydayspa.com

facebook.com/hollydayinc

816.333.4430

@hollyday.medspa

Look

IN KC Beauty

Rachel Murphy

A Healthier Shade of Pale

arch in Kansas City is a mixed bag—70 degrees one day and snowing the next. But even with all its volatility, there’s an excellent likelihood that you’ll be outside more than in the winter doldrums of February, which means it’s time to level up your sunscreen game. Don’t get us wrong–you should definitely be wearing sunscreen every day, no matter the season. Luckily, there’s a wide variety of options for formulations that work with your skin type. Whether you choose a physical sunscreen that uses minerals for sun-blocking effects or the more blendable chemical sunscreens, there are thousands of options from which to choose. Here are some of our favorite formulations that make it easy to keep skin youthful and cancer-free.

TINT AND GO If you’re the person that skips the ‘one more step’ of sunscreen in your morning routine, Keys Kpro tinted moisturizer will be a godsend. This all-inone product offers an intuitive shade-matching technology that works with most skin tones while delivering broad-spectrum SPF 30. It also acts as a moisturizer with an iridescent natural glow to even out skin tone. Keys Kpro tinted moisturizer SPF 30, $44, available at Hand and Land (Midtown).

CLEAR PROTECTION One of the most troublesome aspects of sunscreen is the white cast that some formulas leave on your skin. Supergoop, which has made sun protection its calling card, has solved the problem with their Unseen Sunscreen. This sunscreen has a silky texture that goes on completely clear, contains zero oil, and acts as an excellent primer for other makeup. Full disclosure: I use Unseen Sunscreen, and it’s the best sun protection product I’ve ever tried. Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $34, available at Sephora.

MAINTENANCE ROUTINE Did you know that you should reapply every two hours even after applying sunscreen as part of your morning routine? Don’t feel bad—it’s a tough sell to smear more cream on top of your finished makeup look. Luckily, powder sunscreens, such as the Ilia Flow-Thru Radiant Translucent Powder, offers a sheer and noninvasive way to reup your protection. This luminous powder provides an SPF of 20 along with a pearlescent glow, all packed into an easy-to-use brush applicator. Ilia Flow-Thru Radiant Translucent Powder, $34, available at Welwythn (Prairie Village). MARCH 2022 |

SET IT AND PROTECT IT Want a little extra protection? Try setting your makeup with SPF. The COOLA hydrating sunscreen mist is designed to protect without disrupting your makeup. And with 70 percent organic ingredients and water resistance of up to 80 minutes, you can truly be ready for anything. Coola Makeup Setting Sunscreen Spray SPF 30, $36, available at Ulta.

44 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Dede Dunn

Kasey Bourk

Kristin Johnson

Kyla Cauthon

Blake Nelson

YOUR KANSAS CITY REAL ESTATE AMBASSADOR

•KC REAL ESTATE INFLUENCER: ranked one of the top 20 agents in the metro •200+ bottles of champagne popped annually & counting! •Strategic partnerships with kc employers •99.9% customer satisfaction rating •Dedicated relocation program •Full-time client concierge

913.406.1406 BLAKENELSON.COM

Laura Carpenter

Tricia Gill

@blakenelsonre @teamblakekc Keller Williams Key Partners 4200 Somerset Drive Prairie Village, KS 66208

Tiffany Roberts

Look

IN KC

Wellness

Rachel Murphy

Lace Up RUNNING SEASON IS HERE!

s March weather warms, it’s time to leave the treadmill behind and hit the streets. Any seasoned runner will tell you that every great run starts with a single step. Or maybe that was Lao Tzu. Either way, it’s true. Luckily, Kansas City has a legacy of running, and there’s a thriving running and walking community to support you whether it’s your first time lacing up or your tenth Hospital Hill. And since race season unofficially starts with the St. Patrick’s Day 5K, there’s no better time to start training. Here are some tools to help you get started. THE APP The Couch to 5K concept is a classic for a reason—building your run is about building a habit. While there are several iterations of this idea, we prefer the C25K app. It’s free and easy to use, with set schedules of three runs a week, building your endurance with each passing week. By the end of eight weeks, you’ll be running 5K continuously. Feeling really ambitious? Keep trekking; there’s a 10K option as well.

MARCH 2022 |

THE GROUP Running may seem like a solitary pursuit, but there’s strength— and encouragement—in numbers. The Kansas City Running Club has been around since 1976, organizing weekly group runs, training programs, and road races. The club has activities for everyone, whether you want to walk, learn to run, or level up your skills to longer races. An individual membership to the club is $30 annually but includes a KCR member shirt, along with discounts at local running-shoe mecca Gary Gribble’s Running Sports Stores, and discounted race admissions, among other things. KCRC isn’t the only way to connect with other runners. Check out your local running-shoe store for more events. THE CALENDAR Once the weather warms, nearly every weekend there is a charity race in Kansas City. Find a comprehensive list of races at kcrunningcompany.com. This shoe store/race management company keeps up to date on all the available competitive and fun runs. Have an event you’d like to include? You can submit it there as well.

46 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Classic & Modern Designer Katy Sullivan loves combining classic pieces with unique and unexpected elements to add personality to a home. But above all, she enjoys the process of getting to know her clients, designing to their style, and creating a space that reflects their lives and personal aesthetic. Come explore your style with Katy at Madden McFarland.

Leawood, KS | maddenmcfarland.com

Women’s Health presented by

AdventHealth

IN KC Emily Park

The Importantance of Self-Care FAMILY PHYSICIAN JENNIFER BULCOCK ON PROTECTING MENTAL WELLNESS

to unhealthy ways of coping, becoming socially withdrawn, or feeling a need for constant reassurance. While both men and women have been reporting higher levels of mental-health issues, Bulcock says that women are more likely to report increasing challenges because of the pandemic. “During the pandemic, dealing with work or the other duties of life did not go away, and, in many cases, increased,” Bulcock says. “Women may feel that they are responsible for the well-being of others including spouses, children, other family, and friends. This responsibility, paired with stresses of the pandemic, is a recipe for decreased self-care and overall mental well-being.”

arch 13 marks two years since Kansas City, along with the rest of the country, declared the state of emergency that changed our lives due to the Covid-19 pandemic. We’ve all been through a lot in the last two years. Some of us lost loved ones. Others lost touch with friends and family due to social isolation. Some have teetered between working in the office and working from home, leading to burnout. Others are experiencing long-term complications caused by the virus. And it’s been challenging for most of us to keep up with back-and-forth health mandates. For many, the pandemic seems never-ending, and it’s taken a toll on mental wellness. A survey conducted by the Kaiser Family Foundation in January 2021 identified 41 percent of US adults are reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression—a significant jump from July 2019 when only 11 percent of US adults reported anxiety or depression. Jennifer Bulcock, a family physician with AdventHealth Medical Group Primary Care at Spring Hill, says she has seen a significant impact on her patients since the start of the pandemic. “The stresses of the pandemic—whether financial, physical, or emotional—have most certainly taken a toll on the mental well-being of most people,” says Bulcock. “Due to these stresses and the uncertainty of the future, many people have been dealing with worsening anxiety and/or depressive symptoms or new onset of these symptoms.” RECOGNIZING THE SYMPTOMS Many people are experiencing mental-health challenges for the first time. So, what might indicate that you’re struggling? Bulcock says to watch out for a loss of interest in people/activities that used to excite you, feeling down or blue, an inability to sleep or sleeping too much, increased irritation, changes in eating habits, turning

MARCH 2022 |

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF If you’re struggling with mental health, Bulcock says it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and it’s never too early to ask for help. “Sometimes just talking through your fears, thoughts, and burdens is enough to provide some relief,” says Bulcock. “Medications and therapy are also available and may just be needed short term. While psychiatrists may be of benefit, family practice and other primary-care providers are equipped to handle mental-health concerns and may be more accessible. There’s also no need to wait until your next wellness visit to approach mental-health concerns with your primary-care doctor—we are here to help!” Also vital? Prioritizing self-care. Bulcock suggests starting with things that bring you joy and setting attainable goals. For example, if you’ve noticed that you’re spending more time on the couch, try making a goal to take a walk each day. It’s small changes that make the biggest difference. Another thing to keep in mind? It’s OK to grieve what the pandemic has taken from you. “Grief can also occur with loss of other things that are important to us, and it is OK to grieve over things that may seem small to others but that mean a lot to you,” says Bulcock. “Healthy management of grief starts and ends with the maintenance of self-care and putting your mental well-being first.” Bulcock recommends starting with increased time outside. Not only does the fresh air create a safe venue to gather with family and friends to fill the social void, but time in the sun also helps our bodies produce vitamin D, regulates sleeping/waking schedules, and can help improve overall mood. “Move your body and avoid forming bad habits and unhealthy coping behaviors like alcohol consumption, smoking, increasing sedentary activities, or unhealthy eating,” Bulcock says. “It all matters and can make a huge difference.” Family Physician Jennifer Bulcock

48 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Experts in matters of the heart. We’re moving heart care forward, so you never miss a beat. The AdventHealth Heart & Vascular Institute is holding your heart care to a higher standard – from the routine to the revolutionary. With leading-edge cardiac treatments and surgeries, including transaortic valve replacement (TAVR), heart-rhythm restoration and comprehensive rehab plans, we’re here to help you feel whole for your whole life.

Learn more about our reimagined Heart & Vascular Institute at HeartCareKC.com

Living

IN KC BY

Patricia O’Dell

Through the Keyhole

Above: Kate Brosky’s extra-long sofa in the pink sunroom is great for a nap on a sunny Sunday after lunch, or for watching a movie on a rainy day. Below: Lulu Powers and her husband, Stevie, found the painting of his uncle under a bed in his grandmother’s house.

ell-known design writers Susanna Salk and Stacy Bewkes, the founder of Quintessence, a lifestyle blog, teamed up a few years ago to create the Quintessence at Home With video series on YouTube, where the pair interviews some of the leading designers and tastemakers of our day and offers a very personal account of how they live and decorate. Salk and Bewkes have taken their passion a step further with a new book, At Home with Designers and Tastemakers: Creating Beautiful and Personal Interiors. There’s no question that the homes and photography are stunning, but what really delights is the peek into the private lives of remarkably creative people. Salk and Bewkes’s guest list includes Lulu Powers, self-proclaimed, “entertainologist,” Kate Rheinstein Brodsky, daughter of legendary California-based designer Suzanne Rheinstein and owner of KRB, a design shop on New York’s Upper East Side, and Charleston-based stylist Jill Sharp Weeks. This book is a “don’t miss” for the design aficionado and will provide hours of inspiration. I’d suggest ordering straight away. MARCH 2022 |

50 | INKANSASCITY.COM

“I DREAMED A SYMPHONY OF COLOR” Call us to complement the beauty of your home, year-round, with custom container planters. 913.302.7646 or Info@ContainerCreationsPlus.com

Living

IN KC BY

Patricia O’Dell

Am I Blue? Yes! Right: Denim Rag woven cotton rug, available in seven sizes, $48 – $948.

Above: Bay Stripe woven cotton rug, available in seven sizes, $48 – $948.

Left: Flint Navy woven cotton rug, available in seven sizes, $44 – $868.

n a springtime text exchange with a stylish friend a few years ago, I lamented that I had—just maybe—gotten a little too much sun. (I am aware that despite health warnings, there are some people who don’t think this is even possible.) His advice? “Wear blue. It fixes everything.” As we head into spring and the light becomes a little clearer, you may notice that your rugs have gotten a little too brown as well. (The wear and tear from the snow and salt can be truly horrible.) I’ve relied on the cotton rugs from Dash and Albert for the kitchen, hallways, and baths for ages. Yes, they make all-weather models, too, but I throw the cotton MARCH 2022 |

ones into the washer and dryer time and again and they do just fine. Dash and Albert founder Annie Selke continues to introduce new styles and a few blue models caught my eye. The groovy grid of the Flint Navy Cotton Rug reminds me a bit of the dishes I ate my peanut butter and jelly off of as a child, while the Denim Rag Ribbed Woven Cotton Rug is just the kind of thing that I should be making with wornout blue jeans, but I never seem to stop wearing them. The Bay Stripe is more neutral, for those of you who are drawn to harmony. Still, the navy provides a little punch. Dash & Albert Rugs are available at the Knotty Rug Company in the antique district at 45th & State Line Road.

52 | INKANSASCITY.COM

TIME KEEPS ON TICKING WE CAN DEBATE the value and necessity of Daylight-Saving Time long into the night, but as we spring forward let’s make resetting as easy (on the eye) as possible. While many of us rely on our phones to determine just how late we’re running, any of these numbers would be a stylish addition to bedroom, bathroom, or kitchen.

British designed wall clock with timer, $99.99, from Pryde’s Kitchen & Necessities (Westport).

NEWEST PATTERNS

ALL TYPES OF WOOD & LVT

CARPET FROM BASIC TO BEST

White retro alarm clock, $39, from Crate & Barrel (Town Center Crossing).

Mini desk clock, $39, from The Container Store (Hawthorne Plaza).

WOOD, WATERPROOF LVT & INSTALLATION

Newgate Charlie Bell Echo alarm clock, $35, from West Elm (Country Club Plaza).

127th & Metcalf 913.327.1361 KCWholesaleCarpet.com MARCH 2022 |

53 | INKANSASCITY.COM

words by

Cindy Hoedel

IN CONVERSATION WITH

Trevor Hawkins

e passed up a sailing adventure for love and art, and so far, it’s working out nicely. Lake Lotawana native Trevor Hawkins, 35, released his debut feature film, Lotawana, across multiple streaming services recently, instantly garnering a “certified fresh” rating from Rotten Tomatoes and an endorsement on Instagram from actor Jason Momoa. Hawkins graduated from Lee’s Summit North and attended Metropolitan Community College – Longview in Lee’s Summit. In 2010, he launched a film company, Mammoth, and has produced commercials, documentaries, tourism and wildlife films and TV shows. IN Kansas City caught up with Hawkins by video call from his waterfront home at Lake Lotawana the morning his film was released to talk about giving up one dream to chase another, three movies that changed his life, and the story behind the sailboat in the movie. Why didn’t you go to film school? I didn’t think there were any film schools locally that I would benefit from for the MARCH 2022 |

54 | INKANSASCITY.COM

MARCH 2022 |

55 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Todd Blubaugh and Nicola Collie star in Lotawana.

What is the elevator version of the Trevor-starts-making-filmswithout-film-school story? I picked up a camera in high school and started filming my buddies skateboarding and wakeboarding. I was always more excited about the videos that the pros were putting out than the actual tricks they were doing. Then, still in high school, at a buddy’s house within one week we watched A Clockwork Orange, Requiem for a Dream and Donnie Darko. All three of those movies blew my mind. From then on, I knew that I wanted to be a filmmaker, and I wanted to be in production of my first feature film by the time I was 30. I think I was in my late 20s when I turned to my wife and said, “How long does it take to make a movie? I wonder if we should get started now?” We wrote a script, and mortgaged our house to pay for it, and here we are.

Lotawana is about this guy who’s trying to drop out and live in nature. That’s certainly not your story. How do you relate to Forrest, the protagonist? MARCH 2022 |

The movie very much deals with the themes I was battling at that time. I bought a sailboat with a buddy, and we planned on sailing around the world for four years. I knew going would force me to give up on my goal of becoming a filmmaker, and I had just met my wife. So, I had to make the choice: Do I go on this grand, isolated adventure in the wild or do I stay home and invest in a long-term future and something that means a little more, to me at least? Without giving too much away, reality kind of crashes down on the characters, but then there’s a beautiful, uplifting montage at the end that signals optimism, that there is a way out. Is that what you intended? I think so. I didn’t want the movie to be a lesson to people to not try alternative lifestyles and adventurous things. So, the movie kind of dives, but that montage is meant to kind of turn back up at the end. So, all right, things didn’t work out for these people, but maybe they should have done some things differently. Throwing everything to the wind and living on a sailboat is hard, but there are ways to do it right and ways to do it wrong. It took you six years to make this film. A lot happened in the world in that time. It has been an eventful six years. [Laughs]

56 | INKANSASCITY.COM

photo courtesy of mammoth productions

money I would have to invest, so I skipped that part and just went straight into it.

Did your vision for the movie change in response to events unfolding? It didn’t because it’s a pretty timeless tale. Lotawana works for any generation and any time. But what really helped was, because of Covid and everyone having to hide huddled up in their houses, everyone had to learn how to stream things. That really helped open the doors to Lotawana releasing across multiple streaming platforms. There’s a strong theme in the movie about connecting to nature. Does that come from growing up proximate to it at the lake? For sure. Nature is one of the most important things in my life. Growing up at the lake I was surrounded by it. I’ve been a nature nut my whole life. My wife and I rehabilitate wildlife. You see that bruise? On Saturday I got attacked by a barn owl. It got a talon in my face, millimeters from my eye. There will never be a movie I make that isn’t kind of one with nature. I think connecting with how we became these evolved beings that came from this wild planet that is right in front of us is so important. It centers me as a person.

‘‘

Even though you forwent the global sailing adventure, taking out a mortgage on your house to finance a movie is not a conventional, play-it-safe move. Was there a moment where you weren’t sure if that was going to work out? There are actually two that come to mind. One moment was when we lost our lead actress halfway through shooting. We were sitting there in the production office, thinking we couldn’t do anything, and we had all this money invested and this whole schedule lined out. But we scrambled and moved everything around and made it work. Then, after the movie was wrapped, I had been spending so much time on the movie that I hadn’t been doing commercial work. There was a time my wife and I got pretty tight with our finances and had to really get some commercial work coming in, and we pulled ourselves out of that as well. There’s an irony to the main character in Lotawana checking out by living on a boat, but the boat is on a landlocked lake in the middle of a continent. That lake is also the place you choose to call home. Do you experience wanderlust, and if so, what form does it take? I’ve been on a lot of adventures when I was younger, huge sailing trips, huge hiking trips, huge camping trips. And now I have a one-year-old…

Nature is one of the most

important things in my life. Growing up at the lake I was surrounded by it. I’ve been a nature nut my whole life.”

My wife and I are also birders, and I know during the pandemic, birding numbers skyrocketed. I think that’s great. The more we can get people connected to nature, the more resources we can flow into protecting it. The scenery in the film is so beautiful, did you have any concerns that it would distract people from the human story? I’m hoping the beauty entices people into thinking this is something they want to do themselves. In the first half of the movie, if I paint this beautiful picture of this life in nature, that draws people in. Then when everything crashes down, the viewer will be even more affected, like, “Oh my gosh, I fell for this whole thing, too.” I don’t want to say, “fell for it”—I think there are ways to make it work. People live in nature all the time, in a cabin in the woods or on a sailboat. But the way this particular couple did it was probably a bit immature, romanticized, idealized, not grounded in reality. The movie is a cautionary tale about that kind of thinking. Is the sailboat in the movie your sailboat? It was up until a few months ago. We sold it, unfortunately. It was sitting in my driveway forever because we can’t put sailboats that big MARCH 2022 |

on [Lake] Lotawana, so we shot half the movie on Lake Jacomo, two miles down the road. It was just getting destroyed sitting in our driveway, so my wife and I made the tough decision to sell it so it could have a life with somebody.

That’s an adventure. Yeah, yeah! So now the way I’m excited about fitting nature into our lives is trips with the family and friends. The best experiences I’ve ever had in my life have been when I’ve gone with friends out into nature. I really don’t care about traveling to cities. Every time I travel, I want it to be into the wild somewhere. Where are some of your favorite places to travel to? Oh my gosh, everywhere. I love Missouri. Missouri has incredible floattrip spots and camping spots. My wife and I were taking a hike recently and we stirred up an old conversation we’ve had about how the Missouri woods in winter are so overlooked, but it has such a subtle, serene beauty to it. The Pacific Northwest is incredible. New England. As long as I’m in the wild, I’m where I need to be. What’s next for Trevor Hawkins? I have a movie called Lunker that I would like to get made. It’s also a Missouri movie, but it’s a dark comedy/horror film set within the competitive largemouth-bass fishing culture of the 1970s. I imagine I’ll be shooting it down in the Ozarks. That sounds like fun. [Laughs] Yeah, it’s pretty far out. It’s quite a bit different than Lotawana but I’m excited about it.

57 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Interview condensed and minimally edited for clarity.

MARCH 2022

| 58 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Strangers in a Strange Land LOCAL RESETTLEMENT AGENCIES WELCOME KANSAS CITY’S NEWEST NEIGHBORS FROM AFGHANISTAN

words by

Rachel Murphy

he images from August 15th were vivid—thousands of Afghans ran across the tarmac, desperate to claim one of the coveted spots on an Air Force jet leaving for a neighboring airbase. Automatic rifles and a surly grimace were the uniform du jour in government buildings, as Taliban leaders displaced the Americans that had fought beside a generation of Afghan citizens. Families were separated, and hasty plans for reunification were made, somewhere in the hazy future, somewhere safe. The fall of Kabul to Taliban leaders marked the abrupt end to American involvement on the ground in Afghanistan. Still, it kicked off a different kind of involvement—the resettlement of Afghan refugees in the United States. While many refugees found safety in neighboring countries, many were shuttled to military bases where they were held until the United Nations and the American government could find the right place for them to land. Afghans that liaised with the American military are now settling in the United States, with many coming to Kansas City. Kansas City is no stranger to welcoming refugees. According to Ryan Hudnall, executive director of Della Lamb, we are home to the second-largest population of Sudanese refugees in the nation. We’ve recently welcomed a large population escaping from the Democratic Republic of the Congo as well. A NETWORK OF AID Refugee resettlement is a complicated process, says Hudnall. Della Lamb is just one organization working with the American government and the U.N. to find permanent homes for the Afghans. Jewish Vocational Services, Catholic Charities, Refuge K.C., and many more organizations welcome the sudden influx of immigrants. Despite what many may assume, resettlement in the United States isn’t a foregone conclusion. Aid programs try to find places where ref-

MARCH 2022

| 59 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Ryan Hudnall

Robyn Novak

Rich Casebolt

ugees could assimilate as quickly as possible, especially culturally. According to Hudnall, those that head for the United States typically have ties to the U.S. Those heading to the U.S. now were directly aiding American forces during their 20-year stay. While resettlement is usually a fairly standardized process, the emergency nature of the Afghan flight has stressed resources for everyone working on resettlement. While Della Lamb resettled 57 people in the fiscal year of 2021, they have welcomed 357 Afghan refugees since Thanksgiving. Hudnall expects more will have arrived by the February 15th deadline set by the U.N. for all refugees to be in their eventual permanent cities. “This is unlike what resettlement normally is—there’s an urgency because of the evacuation,” Hudnall says. “We normally get two to four weeks to find housing, furnish it, and prepare for our new neighbors. With the Afghan refugees, we’re getting a week.” Because the numbers are so large, the process is changing a bit. Instead of going directly to individual homes or apartments, families are housed in a hotel while waiting to find housing. Shelter is always the priority for resettlement, but it’s also one of the hardest to find in today’s housing market.

‘‘

This is unlike what resettlement normally is—there’s an urgency because of the evacuation. We normally get two to four weeks to find housing, furnish it, and prepare for our new neighbors. With the Afghan refugees, we’re getting a week.” –Ryan Hudnall

UNLIKELY ALLIES Della Lamb and other organizations look for support from varied sources to deal with the sudden pressure. Financially, federal aid is available to defray the costs of housing and feeding people while they wait for homes and jobs to fall into place. But so much more goes into resettlement than just dealing with physical needs. Hudnall says that one of the largest wells of support has come from the veteran community. “The veteran community hasn’t always been associated with resettlement, but in this case, they really raised their hands to help,” Hudnall says. “I’ve heard the strongest language of support from veterans. They call them family, their brothers and sisters in arms.”

MARCH 2022

Robyn Novak is one such veteran. While she never served in Afghanistan, her time overseas in the U.S. Army gave her perspective on the contributions of the Afghans who worked with American soldiers. In her current role as a property manager, she’s giving back by leveraging her knowledge to find housing for the families. “When I spoke [to Della Lamb] about the numbers of families coming in, it just tugs at your heartstrings,” Novak says. “These are families in a completely different country, different climate, and they’re leaving family members behind.” Novak has left active duty but still works with soldiers as the 451st Suicide Prevention liaison. After working with many soldiers coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq, she had first-hand knowledge of the bonds formed with many Afghans on bases. “These people are your family. They cut your hair, they clean your bathrooms, they feed you. We raised a whole generation there. A whole generation of women didn’t have to worry about persecution for walking down the street,” she says. “No matter what your political belief, we were there for 20 years, and we have a moral duty to take care of them, the same way they took care of us.” Novak points out that one of the hardest adjustments to Taliban rule will be for women. Since the takeover, most women’s rights have vanished, and those women that remain no longer have the same access to medical care, education, or earning opportunities. STEPS OF PROGRESS Organizations such as Della Lamb are working with individual volunteers like Novak, and smaller organizations, of which Refuge K.C. is one. Rich Casebolt heads up this faith-based organization to welcome new refugees with a message of hope. While Refuge K.C. isn’t a resettlement agency, they try to fill in the gaps wherever possible. Right now, that means acting as the welcoming committee. “We want to welcome our new American neighbors holistically and attend to their mental, spiritual, and emotional well-being,” Casebolt says. Part of that welcome manifests as serving their most basic needs, such as transit from airports to the temporary housing at the hotel or providing volunteer support to help mealtimes flow smoothly. By offering a warm welcome, they offer a soft place to land for people that Casebolt describes as being in “earthquake mode.” “These people grabbed what they could and got out of houses that fell behind them,” Casebolt says. “They’ve escaped with their lives, and some bring more resources than others, but all of them are suffering a loss—the loss of their homeland, their relationships, their sense of security, and their identity.” Now that they are in their final city destination, some refugees are

| 60 | INKANSASCITY.COM

relaxing a little. Casebolt says that some are still restless until they find their permanent housing. Afghan society is very communal, but they also love the outdoors. And while Afghanistan does have a winter season, Missouri’s harsh climate may still come as a shock. CONTINUING CHALLENGES Housing is hard to come by, but it’s also only one part of the resettlement equation. Hudnall says that the language barrier is difficult as well. “Because of their connection to the U.S. military, we’re finding that some people are fluent in English,” Hudnall says. Della Lamb is beefing up their translation staff for those that aren’t fluent. Because Afghanistan was formed along political lines rather than cultural lines, there are two distinct languages—Dari, similar to Farsi, and Pashto. The language difference highlights the fact that refugees are not monolithic. That language barrier means that the next step in resettlement is typically English language learning. Once again, Della Lamb and other resettlement agencies reach out to other organizations for support, including corporate partners, public libraries, and faithbased organizations. “The school districts play an exceptionally important role,” Hudnall says. “In the past decade, so many school districts have rethought their ESL programs because of those coming from English as a second language home or non-English speaking homes. There’s a rising tide that is starting to engage.” Hudnall says that several schools, including North Kansas City, are beginning to offer refugee-focused classes. Similarly, the Kansas City Public Library system offers the Refugee and Immigration Services and Empowerment (RISE) program, which helps with language skills, financial planning, and pathways to citizenship. THE OUTREACH CONTINUES As time soldiers on, Casebolt says there is progress. He estimates roughly a quarter of the families that initially came into the hotel have

found permanent residences, but that leaves hundreds left waiting to start their new lives in earnest. Since the numbers are so much larger than usual, Hudnall says that resources from the federal government and international aid organizations will quickly be depleted. While money is the most significant liquid asset for any nonprofit, Hudnall says that another valuable resource that people can give is time. “I heard a statistic recently that said that 80 percent of immigrants had never been invited into an American’s home,” Hudnall says. “So many of these other cultures that we are welcoming comes from such a communal aspect. Their rich hospitality blesses you. If I ask for one thing from people, it would be to be a friend to these people.” Hudnall says that conversing with those learning English can be a powerful tool. And for those with families, thousands away from the only place they’ve called home, a friendly face can be a huge blessing. Della Lamb and other organizations need labor and materials outside of relational gifts. Although they lack the storage space for furnishings for all the homes they hope to find, they partner with Flourish Furnishings, which can accept donations of gently used furniture and decor. Another way to help is by providing employment. While aid organizations subsidize the first 90 days of housing costs, the ultimate goal of any resettlement agency is coordinating self-sufficiency. Assisting a refugee in putting together a resume or job hunt is invaluable. Similarly, helping children enroll in school programs can make a significant impact. Hudnall is tired but optimistic. His agency, like many others, is welcoming those that are emotionally and physically traumatized and offers safety in a country that can be harsh in its own ways. But he sees potential in the citizens of Kansas City. “It’s our fundamental belief that every person has something wonderful to contribute to the city,” he says. “Every single person has giftedness and dignity and value. Their presence enriches our city. And we do experience the deep grief of those that have been displaced. We weep with them. But we dream with them too. That’s the work we get to do.”

RESOURCES AND OPPORTUNITIES IF YOU’RE INTERESTED in connecting with the refugee community in Kansas City, many organizations need funding and volunteer hours.

JEWISH VOCATIONAL SERVICES JVS offers refugee resettlement services as well as health services and employment services. jvskc.org

DELLA LAMB Della Lamb offers several programs that enrich Kansas City, including refugee resettlement, early education, and youth and recreation services. dellalamb.org

GLOBAL F.C. Global Futbol Club leverages the power of soccer and team play to teach life skills and literacy and connect youth to mentors. They are currently working with refugee children in conjunction with Della Lamb. globalfutbol.org

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF NORTHEAST KANSAS Catholic Charities offers resettlement services through several programs, including refugee employment, the New Roots For Refugees, and the La Luz Immigration Center. catholiccharitiesks.org

K.C. FOR REFUGEES K.C. for Refugees works with resettlement agencies and supports the community through clothing drives, in-home language learning, job placement, and cultural orientation. kcforrefugees.org

MARCH 2022

| 61 | INKANSASCITY.COM

REFUGE K.C. Refuge K.C. is currently filling in the gaps in volunteer hours for resettlement agencies. They put together welcome kits, provide warm clothing, and offer mentorship and tutoring when needed. refugekc.org KANSAS CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY The Kansas City Public Library offers language and acclimation classes through the RISE program. kclibrary.org

Kelsey Cipolla

U S B IN G E N I

WORDS BY

BUSINESS ISN’T JUST

BUSINESSES ARE DESIGNED

ABOUT PROFITS FOR

TO MAKE A POSITIVE

THESE KANSAS CITY

IMPACTALL WHILE SERVING UP FRESH AND

ENTREPRENEURS. THEIR

DELICIOUS FARE

F E REN MARCH 2022

| 62 | INKANSASCITY.COM

L T

FOODFOCUSED

THE PROSPECT

Clockwise from top left: Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant. Rendering of The Prospect KC. Hopefully, McAfee-Bryant’s chocolate blueberry bread pudding will be on The Prospect’s menu.

MARCH 2022

Chef Shanita McAfee-Bryant’s soon-to-open eatery will do more than serve food. The Prospect KC is a social enterprise where people from disenfranchised communities can receive culinary training and get firsthand industry experience cooking for and helping to run The Prospect KC’s cafe, coffee shop, and small, fresh grocer. Program participants also get access to wraparound services, such as case management and career coaching from community partners. “What we’re really, really trying to do is create this ecosystem where we start closing some of these loops, so people don’t fall through the cracks,” McAfee-Bryant explains. The Prospect is part of the Catalyst Kitchens Network, a group of social-impact organizations that helps members and clients operate strong, effective programs that train individuals into employment in the foodservice industry. McAfee-Bryant saw member programs in action during trips to Seattle and reached out to navigate the development process and tailor the program offerings to Kansas City. Now, after enduring COVID-19 delays, McAfee-Bryant is almost ready to welcome the first cohort of students for training in April and plans to open The ProspectKC’s cafe to customers in May, providing a fresh and affordable new dining and shopping option to the community. It’s in good company—located at 2000 Vine Street, The Prospect is part of a development that will also include the highly anticipated Vine Street Brewing Co. “I think sometimes, a lot of times, these social-service programs get tucked off in a corner, not in the best part of town or the most visible,” McAfee-Bryant says. “So, I’m excited about us being in a very up-and-coming and developing area so that we’re really showing there | 63 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Top to bottom: The Cauldron Collective’s fried ’shroom po-boy. The self-described “kitchen witches” (left to right) Kim Conyers, Olive Cooke, and Sylvia Metta. Sweet-potato pasta topped with smoked jackfruit coated in made-fromscratch barbecue sauce and green onions makes up the Jack’d Mac.

can be different uses for business in a community—it all doesn’t have to be so commercial.” The business element will also help support The Prospect KC’s community mission and allow it to focus less on fundraising from outside donors. As for what’s on the menu, McAfee-Bryant envisions lots of locally sourced ingredients and approachable fare like burgers, but she’s leaving room for participants to give their input and get a taste of entrepreneurship. “We really want the people in that neighborhood to feel like this is something that’s for them, not something that’s a destination or for tourists,” McAfee-Bryant says. “Of course, we hope that they come, but we’re really trying to build it for the neighborhood and the community.” Keep up with The Prospect online at the theprospectkc.org and on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

CAULDRON COLLECTIVE You don’t have to be a boss to run a business: Just ask Kim Conyers, Olive Cooke, and Sylvia Metta. The trio created the vegan food business, Cauldron Collective, with a collective ownership model, meaning they and anyone who joins the team in the future will share profits and responsibilities. Conyers, Cooke, and Metta have all spent years in the service industry and grew frustrated with the status quo. Cooke and Metta tried to unionize workers at their jobs but were met with resistance. Meanwhile, Conyers felt alienated from her co-workers as she rose through the ranks in the kitchen. When the friends started discussing their own business, a collective model just made sense. It continues to work for them, as Cauldron Collective has grown from operating out of Cooke’s home to hosting pop-ups and now having a residency on Mondays at The Ship. “Without having a top-down hierarchy, if there’s anything we can’t come to an agreement on just by chatting about it, then the next step is to propose it more formally and vote on it,” Cooke explains. “But I’d say nine times out of ten, we just talk about what needs to be done and we do it.” As Cauldron Collective expands, the trio will bring new members on board thoughtfully and plan to have a three- to six-month probationary period to make sure newcomers are the right fit before they officially become part of the collective. “Every member that we add will eventually become a full owner of the business,” Cooke says, noting that each member gets one vote and ideally won’t have to buy into the business to keep ownership accessible and equitable. So far, Kansas Citians have been receptive not just to Cauldron Collective’s business model, but its food, which includes sandwiches and sides (aka “witches” and “familiars”). Dishes rely heavily on vegetables rather than meat substitutes and make use of Conyers, Cooke, and Metta’s breadth of culinary experience.

MARCH 2022

| 64 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Left to right: Kinship Café owner TJ Roberts presents The Vegan Philly, which includes bell peppers, onions, portobello mushrooms, and vegan mozzarella over jasmine turmeric rice. The cafe serves Black Drip Coffee, a Kansas City Black-owned company, as well as donuts by Hana’s Donuts.

“When you work in the industry, you learn to cook a lot of different things and I think it helps be able to carry those things into vegan cooking,” Conyers says. She points to her personal favorite dish, a mushroom po’boy, as an example. The mushrooms are smoked, a technique often reserved for barbecue, and dipped in a traditional batter for a sandwich that feels true to the original, just without meat. Culinary witchcraft, indeed. See what’s brewing at cauldroncollectivekc.com and on Instagram @CauldronCollectiveKC.

KINSHIP CAFÉ As an insurance agent, TJ Roberts spent a lot of time meeting with clients at coffee shops around the metro. Now, his office is a coffee shop—Kinship Café, the bright and welcoming Kansas City, Kansas, spot he opened last October. “I felt like I was missing out on the all the fun,” Roberts says, laughing. But the career shift wasn’t just about his love of coffee—the entrepreneur noticed a need for education around financial and professional skills. “I thought coffee was the best way to introduce that,” he explains. He’s hoping the inclusive, accepting environment of the coffee shop encourages people to take advantage of Kinship’s equitable programming, which so far has included yoga classes, financial literacy classes, and a monthly business networking group. Roberts plans to expand the programming in the future, an effort bolstered by a GoFundMe to support the cafe.

MARCH 2022

Roberts is also working to give other Black entrepreneurs a platform: Kinship’s retail section is stocked with products from local, Blackowned small businesses. You’ll find teas and body products from Nature Made Me; candles and incense from Peace in Pain Candles; and natural cotton candy from CottonTale KC, just to name a few items. “For us, we saw this opportunity to create this Black market and bring other business owners into a space where they never had the opportunity before to have retail,” Roberts says. Although he doesn’t consider himself a business expert, he tries to provide support and help the vendors find success outside of Kinship, adding, “I want to see people’s stuff everywhere.” That sense of collaboration carries over to Kinship’s menu, which always features Black Drip Coffee as well as a rotating list of local roasters. Kinship’s food offerings are designed to be health-conscious with a number of vegan options and a high degree of convenience—think sandwiches, wraps, salads, and soups. You’ll find some familiar flavors, such as the Kale Yeah! Wrap from Gigi’s Wellness Café, and maybe discover a new go-to, like the customer-favorite smoked hot buffalo chicken wrap made using local catering company Smokey by Nature’s pulled chicken. “When people come in and support us, they’re supporting not just us, not just Kinship, but they’re supporting these other business owners, their values, their lifestyle,” Roberts says. “And honestly, they’re supporting the culture.” Check out upcoming events and programs at kinshipcafe.us and on Facebook and Instagram @KinshipCafe.KC.

| 65 | INKANSASCITY.COM

step it

UP photos by

Aaron Leimkuehler

HANDBAGS AND SHOES HAVE AN OUTSIZED IMPORTANCE THIS SPRING

VROOM VROOM Kate Spade “Beep Beep” crossbody, MSRP $349. Available at the Kate Spade Outlet (The Legends Outlets).

MARCH 2022 |

66 | INKANSASCITY.COM

GREEN DAY Cult Gaia platform sandal, $448. Available at Halls (Crown Center).

MARCH 2022 |

67 | INKANSASCITY.COM

BE DAZZLED Christian Louboutin “Marvavilla Joli” pump, $1,795. Available at Halls (Crown Center).

MARCH 2022 |

68 | INKANSASCITY.COM

CHAIN REACTION Versace handbag, $1,875. Available at Halls (Crown Center).

MARCH 2022 |

69 | INKANSASCITY.COM

CIRCUS MAXIMUS Piero Guidi “Magic Circus” handbag, $266. Available at Trapp and Company (Midtown).

FEET FIRST Tory Burch “Jelly” sandal, MSRP $128. Available at the Tory Burch Outlet (The Legends Outlet).

PERFECT PAIR Jeffrey Campbell “Bubblegum” platform slide, $45. Available at Alysa Rene Boutique (Park Place).

MARCH 2022 |

72 | INKANSASCITY.COM

MAD FOR PLAID Tory Burch “Emerson” woven shoulder bag, MSRP $498. Available at the Tory Burch Outlet (The Legends Outlet).

Above: Antique English milking stools from Gene Switzer Antiques sit beneath a gallery wall that is comprised of meaningful personal touches for the Lynns, including the saber they used to cut their wedding cake. Right: In the family room, a custom-made white oak coffee table upholstered with a vintage African kente cloth anchors an antique Oushak rug.

A CLASSIC MISSION HILLS HOME GETS A MAKEOVER FOR A YOUNG FAMILY’S COMFORT AND STYLE words by photos by

Patricia O’Dell Nate Sheets

ative Kansas Citian Olivia Lynn met her husband, Will, when they were both working in San Francisco. In 2019 they decided to move to Kansas City. “We’d been married for two years and thought we’d be ready to move home in about six months,” Olivia Lynn recalls. “But Will was obsessed MARCH 2022 |

74 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Refreshed & Rejuvenated

MARCH 2022 |

75 | INKANSASCITY.COM

MARCH 2022 |

76 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Above: The original paneling in the living room was refreshed with Farrow and Ball’s “Pointing.” The sofa, newly reupholstered in Lee Jofa linen velvet came from Olivia’s mom, while the pair of armchairs from Olivia’s grandmother are upholstered in Decors Barbares fabric. Left: Flanking the bar table, which was inherited from Will’s grandmother, are two club chairs slipcovered in a Michael Smith cotton textile. Opposite: A row of newly added skylights flood light into the family room.

with Zillow, and one weekend he saw a new listing he liked.” Lynn called a childhood friend who is a real estate agent to see what she thought. “She said, ‘It’s a great house. If you’re interested, you need to move fast.’ We basically bought the house over the phone.” It was less of a risk than it sounds. Lynn grew up nearby and the charming red brick home had been a favorite. “When we saw it, we thought we’d paint the interior and put in new windows. Initially, our plans were cosmetic,” Lynn says. But when her mother saw the house, she recognized a lot of opportunities that she thought would make sense for the couple in the long term. “The kitchen was small,” Lynn says. “She thought we could really take advantage of the space of the dining room, which we were unlikely to use anyway. She was right. An eat-in kitchen was on our wish list.” The couple enlisted Brandon Froelich at McHenry Shaffer Architecture to help with execution. “Given the cottage-like nature of the house, an emphasis on support

MARCH 2022 |

77 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Above and below: Two views of the renovated kitchen. The butcher-block counter topping the island reveals custom iron details. Imperial Danby marble from Carthage Stoneworks surrounds the sink. Custom cabinetry is by Parks Cabinets. Pendants are custom-made iron and glass.

MARCH 2022 |

78 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Top left: Painted wood bar stools in the kitchen are from the Scandinavian company Muuto. Top right In the pantry, ceramic tile from American Restoration was custom colored and custom designed for the room. Right: The powder room is hand stenciled with an elaborate bird pattern that’s bordered with a custom trim.

spaces was important to meet the needs of a young growing family,” Froelich says. “And an existing hall and bathroom were reconfigured to allow for the garage to be widened and to accommodate a mudroom.” Lynn wanted to replicate the function of the butler’s pantry from her mother’s house, which houses the refrigerator and most of the dishes and glassware. In addition, she requested a built-in gate to corral their dog without completely separating it from the family. “That small addition does a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of kitchen function and storage,” Froelich says. In the midst of the construction, they contacted Lucy Mayor, owner/principal designer at George Terbovich Design, to help them with finishing the house and completing the interiors. Mayor has worked with Lynn’s family before, so an easy relationship was already in place. “Construction hadn’t completely wrapped up and we had the opportunity to suggest some additions to their original plan,” Mayor says. It was her idea to install skylights in the family room and in the hallway back to the bedroom. “Brandon was patient with our changing plans in the middle of the project,” she says. “The skylights

MARCH 2022 |

79 | INKANSASCITY.COM

A vintage faux bois-painted English chest from Gene Switzer Antiques serves as a nightstand in the primary bedroom. Flowers are by Megan Diamond.

MARCH 2022 |

80 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Top left: In the primary bath, the shower walls are clad in a hand-glazed ceramic tile from Fireclay. Top right Park Cabinets constructed the custom-designed white-oak vanity with a reed detail on the drawers. Sconces are by Hudson Valley. Right: In Otto’s nursery, a vintage Moroccan silk rug anchors the room.

really opened up those spaces.” Rather than being impatient with these modifications, Froelich was firmly on board. “The hallway to the bedroom addition could have felt long and cumbersome, but skylights down the hall from the living room allow it to feel more like a light-soaked gallery,” he says. Mayor suggested installing a large, hinged window over the kitchen sink which creates an indoor/outdoor space with the porch. It was her idea, too, to coffer the ceiling in the kitchen and place planks in between the beams to create a cozier profile. “Proportion is so important,” Mayor says. “And because these rooms were so open, the wood ceiling in this room made sense. It adds so much warmth.” While the construction was still underway, Mayor and Lynn focused on décor. “Olivia has an eclectic style like her mom and has seen the way we mix traditional and modern furnishings,” Mayor says. “Will can be a little more traditional, so we focused on meshing things that they both liked.” The rich green of the family room walls provide an intimate feel, and the deep sofa and the ottoman make a great spot for settling in and relaxing. Mayor suggested the built-in bookcases, creating additional storage and making sure books are always nearby. A gallery

MARCH 2022 |

81 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Refreshed & Rejuvenated

continued

wall contains art and objects that are meaningful to the couple. The living room is awash with light and family connection as well. The chairs were Olivia Lynn’s grandmother’s reimagined in interesting textiles. Typical of the couple, the coffee table has a family connection. “The table in the living room is made from a tree that was cut down at the house where I grew up,” Lynn says. “That was one of the things that was so great about working with Lucy. She never shied away from using personal pieces.” The bedrooms are equally as carefully appointed. Vintage rugs, handblocked fabrics, and antiques that add depth and no stodginess rule. Even the nursery for their 20-month-old son, Otto, continues the family tradition of good form and whimsy. “There are so many things in this house that are special to us,” Lynn says. “Lucy never shied away from using personal pieces. Immediately, the house felt so comfortable and lived in. We couldn’t be happier.”

MARCH 2022 |

82 | INKANSASCITY.COM

A spectacular, contemporary venue with transformable reception spaces and a magnificent courtyard. 1900bldg.com (913) 730–1905

A classic French country cottage, the home’s newest addition on the far right is the stuccoed primary bedroom.

THE IT LIST Modern-American cuisine from award-winning Chef Linda Duerr. Chef Duerr and team present elegant fare and carefully curated menus for a variety of special occasions.

Architecture McHenry Shaffer Architecture msarchkc.com

therestaurantat1900.com (913) 730–1900

Builder McApperson Property and Design mcapperson.com Interior Design George Terbovich Design georgeterbovich.com

1900 Building 1900 Shawnee Mission Parkway Mission Woods, Kansas

MARCH 2022 |

83 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Flavor

IN KC

In the Kitchen POLENTA WAFFLES BY

Cody Hogan

PHOTOS BY

eyond a cup or two of black coffee, I am not a breakfast person. I love many breakfast foods—frittatas, oatmeal, omelets, waffles, biscuits and gravy. I just prefer them at any other time of day, especially late at night when I come home from work. As for waffles, I never even noticed them. Even in college during late-night study sessions at Waffle House, I never sampled their namesake. It wasn’t until I was living in Germany and a friend invited me over one afternoon for coffee that I experienced my first real, from scratch, waffle. They were leavened the traditional way with whipped egg whites, topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a few tiny jewel-like strawberries straight from the farmers market. Delightful! Over the years, I have wandered through a few waffle phases—the most recent being a series of sweet-potato waffles cooked in my fireplace with a rather ancient long-handled waffle iron I stumbled upon at a flea market. As a chef, you never know where inspiration might come from. A part of the inspiration for this recipe came from seeing sad, neglected, and usually in-like-new-condition waffle irons at every estate sale I’ve ever been to—and I do love a good estate sale. My “modern” electric waffle iron (it’s surely at least 35 years old) came from one such sale—$1.50 well spent. Even more inspiration came from a used cookbook I purchased sometime in the late nineties, recently rediscovered, that I couldn’t have ever opened more than once or twice in decades. It was written by then unknown Dorie Greenspan (now a famous and prodigious cookbook author and food writer), and it contains recipes for countless waffles, including some made with cornmeal, and one made with a favorite food of mine—polenta. The wheels began turning and I knew it was time to dust off the waffle iron. This recipe is versatile. I have written it as a savory waffle, welcome MARCH 2022 |

Aaron Leimkuehler

at any mealtime, in any season. The sauce I have included could easily be switched to another. In fact, the sauce could be eliminated entirely, replaced with some berries and a drizzle of honey and yogurt for a sweet version, much like my first experience with waffles. The important thing is to get out your neglected waffle maker (or visit an estate sale and rescue someone else’s), fire it up, and create your own breakfast any time of day. Crispy Polenta Wafﬂes Begin by making the polenta. In a small saucepan, combine 2 cups of cold water with 1/3 cup coarse polenta (I prefer Bob’s Red Mill “Corn Grits also known as Polenta,” salt, 1 ta1 teaspoon of salt blespoon of extra-virgin oil, and a bay leaf. olive oil I feel strongly about the use of a bay leaf in polenta (see In the Pantry), so much so that I can’t imagine really good polenta without it. Whisk all of this together and bring to a simmer, cooking and stirring occasionally for about 15 minutes, until the polenta thickens but is still loose like a batter. Remove the pan from the heat, whisk in 2 tablespoons butter, and allow the polenta to cool a bit while assembling the rest of the ingredients. Remove the bay leaf and discard it. Crack 2 eggs into the polenta and whisk them in. Add 1/2 cup all-purpose ﬂour and 1 teaspoon baking powder and whisk again. Finally stir in 1/3 cup grated hard cheese like Grana Padano or Parmigiano-Reggiano. Taste, adjusting salt if necessary, and adding a grind or two of pepper if you wish. Preheat your waffle iron now. With spring in the air, I think a nice, light vegetable ragu with mushrooms and asparagus and a poached egg makes a perfect topping for your polenta waffle. For the ragu, preheat a large skillet. Slice about 8 ounces of fresh mushrooms, 2 cloves of garlic, and a small 84 | INKANSASCITY.COM

In Your Pantry

BAY LEAVES shallot (optional, but nice). When the skillet is hot, add a generous drizzle of oil and begin cooking half the mushrooms in a single layer—not crowded, so they are able to release a bit of moisture and caramelize. Sprinkle lightly with salt. While the mushrooms cook, snap the tough ends off a half bunch of asparagus (discarding the tough ends), and cut the asparagus on the bias into smaller pieces. Check on the mushrooms, occasionally tossing to cook on both sides. When the mushrooms are lovely and golden brown, remove them to a plate, add the remaining mushrooms to the skillet (with a splash more oil if needed) and continue cooking until they are equally beautiful, and your kitchen smells earthy and delicious. When the remaining mushrooms are cooked, remove them to the plate. Add a little oil or butter to the skillet and sauté the garlic and shallot (if using). When the garlic begins to turn golden on the edges, add the asparagus spears and a tablespoon or two of water and immediately cover the pan to briefly steam the asparagus. For freshness, slice a few scallions the same size as your asparagus and add them and a dusting of herbs (I like thyme and sage, maybe a little marjoram) to the skillet. Season generously with salt and pepper and toss everything together, adding a splash of water if needed to keep things from scorching. When the asparagus is tender but still bright green, turn off the heat. If serving the waffles with poached eggs, be sure to have a little pan of water on to boil. To cook the waffles, have the waffle iron preheated and lightly buttered or sprayed with non-stick spray. The batter can be poured directly onto the griddle and cooked, but for an extra crispy exterior, I have a little trick. I like to turn the waffle iron upside down and sprinkle the upper interior surface (which is now facing up) with a scant tablespoon of grated hard cheese and a similar amount of corn meal (not the coarse polenta, which is too coarse). It should begin to cook with the cheese beginning to melt and stick to the iron. I immediately turn the iron right-side-up and sprinkle the bottom surface with the cheese and cornmeal. Then I spread the batter (my iron holds about ¾ cup—yours might hold a little more or less) on the iron and close the lid. Cook the waffle until both sides are a lovely golden brown, tapping the surface to check that it is crisp. This will take several minutes. I find the temperature light on the iron an unreliable indicator of doneness for this type of waffle, so I generally ignore it. If preparing multiple waffles, have an oven preheated to its lowest setting with a sheet pan and a rack waiting to receive the waffles (putting them on a rack instead of directly on the pan will help to keep them crisp on the bottom side). Remove the crispy waffle to the rack and continue cooking as many waffles as you need. If the waffles stick, it simply means that you are a bad person, and you must deal with the consequences. When ready to serve, top each waffle with some of the vegetable ragu, a poached egg or two, and some shavings of cheese. MARCH 2022 |

YOU’VE PROBABLY got some bay leaves in the back of your pantry at this

very moment. Do you really know how to use them, and if they've been there for years, do you want to? Bay Laurel (aka laurus nobilis) is the unsung hero of many soups, sauces, stews, and marinades, providing subtle herbal notes and comforting aromas of menthol and eucalyptus. There are a number of varieties of bay tree around the world and knowing the type you have is important. In most western cuisines, the Turkish bay leaf is the ideal for cooking.

Fresh Bay Leaf Bright and menthol-y when ﬁrst heated, fresh bay leaf emits resinous notes of citrus and sunshine that mellow considerably during cooking. In this country, many fresh bay leaves sold in grocery stores are California bay leaves (aka umbellularia californica). ). This longer, skinnier leafed variety has a much higher eugenol content (the menthol/eucalyptus compound that can easily overwhelm a dish and even seem bitter) The more rounded, oval Turkish leaf (pictured) has a more subtle, complex, and lasting ﬂavor. To be certain you’re getting real Turkish bay laurel for fresh use, try growing your own. It makes a very stately houseplant. Use in any recipe calling for bay leaf, especially those with longer cooking times.

Dried Bay Leaf Turkish bay leaf, when dried, achieves a robust and complex ﬂavor. Just remember, dried bay leaves keep for months, not years, and over time the ﬂavor fades and becomes musty. To store dried leaves for an extended period, try freezing them in an airtight container. Always remove the whole leaves before serving as they can become a choking hazard or digestive obstacle.

Ground Bay Leaf Great for making spice blends, dry rubs, and marinades, or any time you don’t want to worry about whole leaves or pieces in a ﬁnished dish. Try skewers of liver and onions, dusted with powdered bay leaf and black pepper, then grilled, or a skillet of shrimp, cherry tomato, and zucchini dusted with bay and broiled. Note, the ground leaf is highly perishable, so it is best stored in an airtight container in the freezer.

85 | INKANSASCITY.COM

Flavor

IN KC by

Kelsey Cipolla

In Your Cocktail CALLSIGN BREWING

allsign Brewing is getting bigger—much bigger. After years at its original 3,000-square-foot location, the North Kansas City brewery opened a new taproom and brewing operation in a prime location on Burlington Street in early January. The new building includes a spacious, open taproom, an outdoor patio, and the heritage room, which will be used for additional taproom seating and events. Guests can look through a set of glass doors in the room and see the brewing equipment, which now includes a new 20-barrel system as well as a canning line. Expanding operations was an exciting benefit of the new digs, says co-owner Steve Sirois. The space not only makes Callsign more visible to passersby, it provides room to expand to fullscale distribution with cans and kegs. Callsign sticks to mostly traditional styles, but the head

brewer has been given more creative license as the business has grown and added more taps. “We’re still going to keep a solid core of beers, but at the same time we’re going to start branching off and doing fun, different stuff, that everyone can enjoy.” That includes offering beverages other than beer, including Amigoni Urban Winery vino, cocktails featuring Restless Spirits Distilling Co. spirits, and a few beertails. But there’s also room for other ventures within the sprawling space. Two restaurants will be opening in the building, with Wolfepack BBQ slated for one of the spots (and serving food regularly at Callsign in the meantime.) And in addition to offices, the new brewery has a dedicated studio for Sirois’s forthcoming podcast, “American Brewed,” which will cover all things beer and brewing as well as sharing veteran and service members stories—a pivotal part of Callsign’s mission. MARCH 2022 |

86 | INKANSASCITY.COM

The brewery dedicates each batch of beer to the call signs of lost military aircrafts in honor of fallen service members. Callsign also gives back to the veteran and first-responder communities through fundraising efforts and by helping connect those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder with resources to get help. It’s a cause near to Sirois’s heart, as he has served in the Air Force for almost 32 years. Callsign’s commitment to recognizing fallen service members through its beers has struck a chord since day one. Sirois simply calls the tale behind the brewery’s founding “The Story,” and he’s been known to turn down the music at the taproom to share it for anyone around to hear. “What does possess somebody to drain their checking account and do this? It goes like this,” he starts. More than a decade ago, Sirois received a home brewing kit as a gift. The first batch of beer didn’t turn out well, but he was intrigued and kept at it, upgrading his setup and making better and better beer. In 2015, Sirois and his friend Morris Loncon were gearing up to participate in the UNICO Microbrew Festival at Zona Rosa and trying to come up with a name for their operation. A conversation about the people they had lost during their years of service inspired the idea behind Callsign, which debuted at the festival. Among their offerings were Shell 77, named for a crew that they knew that had recently died in a crash in northern Kyrgyzstan, and Komodo 11, an aircraft that crashed during a rescue mission in Afghanistan. During the course of that single day, Sirois and Loncon met a widow and widower whose spouses were on Komodo 11, and they were surprised and moved to see their loved ones honored. Sirois and Loncon decided then and there to keep Callsign going. “At Callsign Brewing, we are truly bigger than beer,” Sirois says. “I feel like we hold up to that because it’s not just about the beer—the beer still has to be good, but I know that if I save one more person’s life, all of this is worth it to me. If we can get people back on track to real life and let them heal, then this, what we created, is worth my time.” callsignbrewing.com

Oasis OUTDOOR

From patio furniture to outdoor kitchens and décor for every style, Nebraska Furniture Mart has everything you need to relax, rejuvenate and restore. So, turn off notifications and turn on the outdoor speakers. Pour your favorite drink and put your feet up. Because the ideal escape is right in your own backyard.

nfm.com

1601 Village West Parkway, Kansas City, KS 800-407-5000

FURNITURE ❘ FLOORING ❘ APPLIANCES ❘ ELECTRONICS

Flavor BY

IN KC

Kelsey Cipolla

MEAT MITCH

In Culinary News

KANSAS CITY’S BARBECUE restaurant lineup just got a new heavy hitter: Meat Mitch. The highly anticipated Leawood spot was created by pitmaster Mitch Benjamin, who gained acclaim with his flavorful spice blends and sauces. Now he’s taking center stage with offerings that run the gamut from classic to boundary-pushing. But don’t just take our word for it, order the Meat Tower, a sampling of burnt ends, smoked rope sausage, fried pickles, and pimento cheese, plus cheesy hog fries (curly fries with pulled pork, cheese, and pickled jalapeños) and smoky chicken suckers (a.k.a. lollipopped and sauced drumettes). In addition to barbecue favorites served on sandwiches and platters, guests can enjoy brisket smashburgers, toasted grilled cheese sandwiches made with the delectable meats, and desserts like blueberry-peach bread pudding with cinnamon-caramel ice cream. meatmitchbbq.com

FIND THE HOME OF YOUR DREAMS IN 2022 In Partnership with Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes ®

We are working with some of Kansas City’s real estate agents to keep you in the know on some of the most exciting houses on the market.

MLS #2364298

Check it out at inkansascity.com/home-design/real-estate © 2022 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes. AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED FRANCHISE. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC and used with permission Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

MARCH 2022 |

88 | INKANSASCITY.COM

LOCAL POWERHOUSE $1.5 Billion Women-Owned Company Knows Connections Matters By Emily Park Let’s get this out of the way, most people know or have heard of Better Homes and Gardens® as a magazine. Locally, it is a $1.5 billion real estate powerhouse with eight offices and 350 agents spanning the entire Kansas City region, led and owned by Christian Barnes. As the real estate market continued to heat up in 2020, Barnes took over ownership of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate (BHGRE) Kansas City Homes, becoming the top-ranking female principal owner in the national BHGRE network, a lifestyle brand with more than 350 offices and 13,000 agents. Barnes was a single mother learning the market when she joined BHGRE Kansas City Homes in 2007. She was no stranger to real estate – her mother and stepfather are agents still working at BHGRE who introduced her to the industry, setting the stage for Christian at an early age. Flash forward and she is now the CEO and owner of one of Kanss City’s largest real estate brokerages. Since assuming ownership, BHGRE Kansas City Home has flourished. Barnes serves as a conduit of the cutting-edge industry knowledge Realtors need to be successful. The key, she says, is communication, connectivity, and empowering a team of agents who are passionate about the city they live in and its people. “Being in real estate right now is tough. It is a challenging time and a challenging market,” says Barnes. “Better Homes and Gardens Kansas City Homes’ agents are incredibly experienced, and incredibly connected. That’s what makes the difference.” Over the years, BHGRE Kansas City Homes has built a network of lifestyle agents connected across eight offices: Blue Valley, College Boulevard, Leawood, Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Northland, Plaza/Kansas City, and Prairie Village/Stateline. The BHGRE Kansas City Homes agents are experts in their communities who share market and housing opportunities with agents in other offices to the benefit of clients. While homes are flying off the market, the 350 BHGRE Kansas City Homes agents are putting in countless hours with their clients to ensure the buying and selling experience runs smoothly. “There are hundreds of ways a transaction can fall apart, and it takes

experience, knowledge, and professionalism to keep things together and make sure everybody gets to the finish line. Bringing the tools and connections to the table to support our agents is huge part of what we’re doing every day,” Barnes says. What would she say to other women and everyone looking to grow their careers? Get involved. Join committees. Accept leadership opportunities. Every relationship matters. In 2016, she was named president of the Kansas City Regional Association of REALTORS® (KCRAR), where she was able to see firsthand the direction the real estate industry was headed. In 2020, Barnes was named Realtor of the Year by the Kansas Association of REALTORS®. She’s an active leader with the National Association of Realtors (NAR). In 2020 she was one of 18 realtors nationally invited to join an elite class in NAR’s Leadership Academy. In 2021, she led the association’s Commitment to Excellence Committee, and in 2022 BROUGHT TO YOU BY she is a member of the NAR leadership team. “My involvement has allowed me to connect with not just our local industry leaders, but also our national leaders,” says Barnes.

© 2022 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Kansas City Homes. AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED FRANCHISE. Better Homes and Gardens® Real Estate is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC and used with permission. Equal Opportunity Company. Equal Housing Opportunity.

Flavor BY

IN KC

Kelsey Cipolla

GUY’S DELI

In Culinary News

ALL GOOD THINGS must come to an end, and it was

with heavy hearts that Kansas Citians bid farewell to Joe’s Pizza Buy the Slice in Kelly’s Westport Inn last year. But we didn’t have to wait long for pizza to make a reappearance in the space. Guy’s Deli, a new eatery from Guy’s Snacks, opened at Kelly’s in January, serving up pies based on Joe’s original recipe as well as a new lineup of sandwiches, which range from the PLT—pancetta, lettuce, and tomato, naturally—to the PB&J Crunch, which introduces Guy’s BBQ chips to the classic salty and sweet mix. They’re ideal for lunch or a late-night snack after a few rounds of drinks—Guy’s Deli will be open until 3 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. guysdeli.com

beautiful heart

Gifts Home Cards Invitations Baby

An Uncommon Shop Complimentary Design Consultation | Financing Available OVERLAND PARK

BRIARCLIFF VILLAGE

KS184_KCMag_WI_3.6x4.7_1221.indd 1

Hawthorne Plaza 4953 W. 119th Street Overland Park, Kansas 66209 913/325-7354 social : cuorebella_kc

cuorebella.com

MARCH 2022 | 12:59 90 |PM INKANSASCITY.COM 12/23/21

Providing financial advice since 1913 Providing financial advice since 1913 Member FINRA | SIPC Member FINRA | SIPC

LocalSmith SmithMoore MooreFinancial FinancialAdvisor Advisor Local thefirm’s firm’stechnology technologytotoensure ensurethat, that, the ONTHE THERISE RISE ON despite the inability meet person, despite the inability toto meet inin person, clientsreceived receivedthe thesame samelevel levelofof hishisclients service they had come expect from service they had come toto expect from team. also continues push our hishis team. HeHe also continues toto push our organization think differently than organization toto think differently than wewe have the past.” have inin the past.”

Smith Moore, a nationally recognized Smith Moore, a nationally recognized wealth management firm founded over wealth management firm founded over 100 years ago, announced that Financial 100 years ago, announced that Financial Advisor Kevin Kopff has been promoted Advisor Kevin Kopff has been promoted Senior Vice President. toto Senior Vice President.

Kevinbelieves believesinina amultigenerational multigenerational Kevin focuswhen whenit itcomes comestotobuilding buildinghishis focus practice.HeHedoes doesnot notdiscriminate discriminate practice. prospectiveclient clientrelationships relationships prospective basedononaccount accountsize sizeororinvestment investment based “Wecouldn’t couldn’tbebeprouder prouderofofKevin’s Kevin’s minimumsand andprovides providesservice servicetoto “We minimums clientsfrom fromasasyoung youngasas2020totothose those accomplishments clients accomplishmentsalong alongwith withthe the enjoying their retirement. enjoying their retirement. tenacity and energy brings Smith tenacity and energy hehe brings toto Smith Moore,” saysRhyner. Rhyner. “Hehas hassuch such Moore,” says “He bright future ahead him, and bright future ahead ofof him, and wewe “I’vealways alwaysbeen beenananoutside-the-box outside-the-box a a “I’ve look forward supporting him along forward toto supporting him along typeofofthinker thinkerand andconstantly constantlypush push look type journey.” journey.” myself adapt financial planning hishis myself toto adapt mymy financial planning process support the specific needs process toto support the specific needs andgoals goalsofofmymyclients,” clients,” saysKopff. Kopff. Founded and says Foundedinin1913, 1913,Smith SmithMoore Moorehas has “Through team-based approach, “Through aa team-based approach, mymy grown grown include a total ten branch toto include a total ofof ten branch teamand andI focus I focusononbuilding buildingsolid solid locations, team locations,with withbranches branchesininMissouri, Missouri, relationshipswith withclients clientsthat thatare are Illinois, relationships Illinois, Kansas, and Mississippi. Smith Kansas, and Mississippi. Smith perpetual.” perpetual.” Mooreprovides providesfinancial financialcounsel counselforfor Moore every stage through integrated every stage ofof lifelife through anan integrated “What impresses most about Kevin “What impresses meme most about Kevin is is financial strategy that evolves clients strategy that evolves asas clients non-traditional approach serving Kevin’s Kevin’s branch office located 9401 financial hishis non-traditional approach toto serving branch office is is located atat 9401 movethrough throughallallphases phasesofofwealth wealth clientsininananever-evolving ever-evolvingindustry,” industry,” Indian IndianCreek CreekParkway, Parkway,Suite Suite1050, 1050, move clients planning: Accumulation, Distribution, planning: Accumulation, Distribution, says Executive Vice President Branch Overland Overland Park, 66210. and says Executive Vice President –– Branch Park, KSKS 66210. HeHe and hishis and Legacy. Legacy. Manager Randy Rhyner. “When were team team can reached (913) 491-2609 and Manager Randy Rhyner. “When wewe were can bebe reached atat (913) 491-2609 Kevin joined Smith Moore 2015 Kevin joined Smith Moore inin 2015 asas a Wealth Management Associate, and a Wealth Management Associate, and over the past few years, accelerated over the past few years, hishis accelerated growthhas hasbeen beennothing nothingshort shortofof growth impressive.Kevin, Kevin,who whois isonly only3636 impressive. years old, has helped two Smith Moore years old, has helped two Smith Moore financial advisors seamlessly transition financial advisors seamlessly transition retirement: Over the past three years, toto retirement: Over the past three years, has partnered with them ensure hehe has partnered with them toto ensure thattheir theirclients clientscontinue continuetotoreceive receive that the elevated support they had come the elevated support they had come toto expect and deserve. Kevin brings a fresh expect and deserve. Kevin brings a fresh perspective financial planning and perspective toto financial planning and regularly shares new, innovative ideas regularly shares new, innovative ideas with other advisors and leadership with other advisors and leadership atat Smith Moore, well with the clients Smith Moore, asas well asas with the clients serves. hehe serves.

blindsided with the current pandemic, oror visiting smithmoore.com/contact/ allall blindsided with the current pandemic, byby visiting smithmoore.com/contact/ Kevinquickly quicklyadapted adaptedand andleveraged leveraged advisor/kevin-kopff. advisor/kevin-kopff. Kevin

Learnmore moreatatsmithmoore.com smithmoore.com Learn

Learn more at smithmoore.com Manager Randy Rhyner. “When we were all blindsided with the current pandemic, Kevin quickly adapted and leveraged

team can be reached at (913) 491-2609 or by visiting smithmoore.com/contact/ advisor/kevin-kopff.

and Legacy.

Flavor BY

IN KC

Kelsey Cipolla

OMBRA

In Culinary News

AFTER FINDING their footing with Sushi MO! and Taqueria Gordita at North Kansas City’s Iron District, Sarah Nelson and her husband, Louis Guerrieri, have closed those concepts to open something new in the Northland: Ombra, a small-plates restaurant inspired by the couple’s love of stealing bites off of each other’s plates. “I love seasonality and constantly having new things,” Nelson says. “I wanted to open a place where we could have a bit of everything.” The restaurant is tentatively scheduled to open this summer and will feature dishes inspired by cuisines around the world but with a little midwestern flair— and local suppliers, including Barham Family Farm, Fortune Fish & Gourmet, and Green Dirt Farms. ombrakc.com

CAR WON'T WON'T GO? GO? CAR CAR WON'T GO?

38 SPECIAL PRIVATE CONCERT BENEFITING KIDSTLC

THURSDAY, APRIL 14 AT UPTOWN THEATER TICKETS INCLUDE OPEN BAR & MUST BE PURCHASED IN ADVANCE AT KIDSTLC.ORG/38SPECIAL OR BY SCANNING QR CODE

** TOW or 913.894.5201 | SANTAFETOWSERVICE.COM ** 913.894.5201 || SANTAFETOWSERVICE.COM SANTAFETOWSERVICE.COM ** TOW TOW or or 913.894.5201

MARCH 2022 |

92 | INKANSASCITY.COM

SANTEFE_1/4.indd 1 SANTEFE_1/4.indd SANTEFE_1/4.indd 11

1/13/20 10:05 AM 1/13/20 10:05 10:05AM AM 1/13/20

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS OF PROVIDING CARE FOR OVER 11,000 UNINSURED CANCER PATIENTS IN KANSAS CITY! BCKC is about the coming together of a community of cancer survivors, volunteers, donors and local companies raising close to $3M million in 13 years to support uninsured men, women and children in KC struggling with cancer. Join this volunteer led organization. Here’s the ways you can help:  Become a sponsor of the event  Volunteer before and at the event  Donate items for auction packages LEARN MORE & BUY TICKETS AT BRACOUTUREKC.COM

Funds go to programs for uninsured cancer patients at the University of Kansas Health System, Truman Medical Center, Verda’s Place at Sarah Cannon, Cancer Action, Liberty Hospital Breast Care, Samuel U. Rodgers Health Center, and Imaging for Women Free Mammogram Screenings. APRIL 22, 2022 | 7:00 PM SIGNATURE FLIGHT SUPPORT DOWNTOWN AIRPORT

Flavor

IN KC

Reservation for One THE CLASSIC COOKIE by

Kelsey Cipolla

or more than 30 years, The Classic Cookie has been a Waldo favorite for breakfast, brunch, and baked goods. Now, the neighborhood institution has gotten a refresh thanks to new owners Bryan Sparks and Hailey Allen. Don’t panic, longtime patrons—the space is as charming as ever, although it now boasts a more modern look. Light wood furniture and MARCH 2022 |

photos by

Aaron Leimkuehler

floors and crisp white walls help the intimate restaurant feel a bit breezier, and houseplants along with petite vases of fresh flowers on each table add bursts of color and vitality. Like Waldo itself in recent years, The Classic Cookie feels younger and cooler. And the tweaks aren’t just superficial. The new owners have introduced a full coffee program that features Parisi Coffee beans in a lengthy 94 | INKANSASCITY.COM

lineup of drinks available to order from your table or the counter, where guests can also peruse the pastry case. Creating a more robust pastry program was a priority for Sparks and Allen, and the results are on tantalizing display: sugar-topped strawberry hand pies sit next to slices of baklava, cream cheese-frosted cinnamon rolls, and adorable carrot cake cupcakes, just to name a few items. Yes, the cookies are still there, and they are as delicious as ever, thanks to the original recipes inherited by the new crew. Several varieties are available each day—today it’s snickerdoodle, oatmeal raisin, and chocolate chip varieties, all the size of a saucer. The chocolate chip cookie is warm from the oven, complete with melty chocolate inside when you break it in half. Sweet but not saccharine, a little soft and chewy but still well structured, it’s a quintessential version of the comforting treat. For all that’s new, the spirit of The Classic Cookie is still intact. It’s relaxed with friendly, personable servers and a menu that won’t send you searching Google for an explanation of ingredients, although there is some more chef-driven fare. Breakfast is served all day and includes classic breakfast dishes such as pancakes, French toast, Belgian waffles, and biscuits and gravy, plus a Denver omelet, and eggs your way with bacon, toast, and jam. Healthier options such as a parfait with house-made granola and an egg-white frittata are also available, along with a selection of sandwiches. But an early standout can be found among the house specialties: the crab cake benedict.

The crab cakes are thin yet packed with flavor, and they retain their crispy exterior even after serving as the base for poached eggs and hollandaise, which is no easy feat. The eggs are cooked just right, a slice of the fork revealing a flow of golden yolk that melds with the subtly spiced and silky hollandaise. An accompanying arugula and herb salad adds some herbaceousness to the otherwise ultra-rich dish. But the options don’t stop at breakfast. Lunch is available after 10:30 a.m. should you prefer to go the soup, sandwich, or salad route (or some combination of all three). Almost all of The Classic Cookie’s offerings in those categories are available in a half or full-sized order, making them ideal candidates for mixing and matching. Once again, you’ll find plenty of standards well-represented: Chicken noodle soup, a tomato bisque, and a BLT with a twist—the deluxe Bee Elle Tee is made with house-baked brioche, thick-cut bacon, sliced tomato, and garlic aioli. There’s also a satisfying kale Caesar with rustic brown-butter croutons and an anchovy-forward dressing, and a mainstay of the restaurant, the chicken salad sandwich. The menu notes it's just as good as it's always been, and that’s no lie: Tender chunks of chicken and pops of juicy grape chunks are sandwiched between slices of sourdough for a dish that’s humble but undeniable. It’s a good reminder of why you shouldn’t mess with the classics— unless you can show them the care and respect they deserve. Fortunately, this classic Kansas City eatery is in good hands. classiccookiekc.com

Use Promo Code

INKC5Off For $5 off!

SERGEI BABAYAN, pianist March 18, 2022 | 7:30 PM Performing Schumann’s Kreisleriana RAFAŁ BLECHACZ April 10, 2022 | 2:30 PM Featuring Chopin’s Sonata No. 3 SONGS TO THE LUTE April 23, 2022 | 7:30 PM

MARCH 2022 |

95 | INKANSASCITY.COM

RUNGE&AMMON present REVOLUTIONARY ICONS May 6, 2022 | 7:00 PM Featuring works by Miles Davis, Beethoven and more! ENSEMBLE CORRESPONDANCES May 15, 2022 | 3:30 PM Featuring works by Marc-Antoine Charpentier

My Essentials

IN KC BY

Emily Park

JUSTICE JANAE GATSON COMMUNITY ORGANIZER. DOULA. NONPROFIT FOUNDER.

J PHOTO BY CORIE ENGLISH

ustice Janae Gatson was first introduced to grassroots organizing in Kansas City during her middle-school years at Genesis Promise Academy. Fast forward a few decades and Gatson is the founder and director of the Reale Justice Network, a Kansas City nonprofit that fuels advocacy for a range of social, racial, and gender injustice issues such as cash bail funding, criminal justice, domestic violence, and more. Gatson is also a birth griot, doula, and community herbalist passionate about ensuring the health and safety of Black parents in Kansas City. She coined the term “Social Justice Doula” to sum up how she supports community members affected by all forms of social injustice, generational trauma, and historical violence. Gatson was born and raised on the East Side of Kansas City, and she’s deeply connected to the city and communities she serves. “There is never a dull moment,” Gatson says. “From music shows and art exhibits to crafting workshops, local fairs, and restaurants, there is always something fun to do and delicious to eat in Kansas City.”

Justice’s essentials...

SHOP LOCAL:

Fragrance World is my jam. I love the scented oils more than perfume, and this place has thousands of options.

DINING OUT: I love

the ambience at Mesob Restaurant and Rum Bar. It’s cozy, the lighting and space is welcoming, and the food is always a hit. I always order the oxtails with beans, rice, and cabbage—this is the best dish on the menu. It’s rich and savory with just the right amount of spice and flavor to keep your taste buds singing.

HIDDEN GEM:

SPA DAY:

NIGHTCAP:

Kansas City Tour Company’s owner and historian, Erik Stafford, shares his knowledge about Kansas City’s rich history. Book the Streetcar River City Mafia tour or the Be Bop & Beyond 18th and Vine walking tour for an entertaining lens into KC’s past.

I usually do my own skincare routine at home, but when I go somewhere special, I head to Laya Center. They offer an array of spa services including massage, waxing, facials, sacred yoni, and Yoruba medicine.

A pineapple, amaretto, and peach daiquiri from KC Daiquiri Shop.

LOCAL CELEB:

Hakima Payne is the executive director of Uzazi Village, an organization working to decrease maternal and infant health inequity among Black and Brown communities. She is unapologetic in her advocacy for Black birthing people, and I love it. MARCH 2022

| 96 | INKANSASCITY.COM

THE PERFECT KC STAYCATION: I’d book

an Airbnb somewhere in Midtown with my partner. We’d start the day at Equal Minded Cafe with a black coffee and a shot of mocha. Then we’d stop by First Fridays on 18th and Vine and shop with local vendors like Sunni’s Holistic Delights, Masai’s Fresh Garden Eats, and Lakyra’s Kween Kare Essential.